The USC School of Pharmacy is hosting its first ever community outreach event, a celebration for Día de los Muertos, in an effort to connect with Latinx communities near the Health Sciences Campus and encourage vaccination.
The celebration, known as the “1st Annual Day of the Dead Community Event,” will be held between 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on November 3 in the Health Science Campus Pappas Quad and will feature “free immunizations, health education, danzantes (traditional folk/indigenous dance), music, free food, a community altar and more,” according to the USC events webpage.
The event was coordinated by Luis Larios, a graduate student at the USC School of Pharmacy. Larios says he first came up with the idea for the event during his first year at the school and thought it would be a good way to celebrate the cultures of East L.A. communities.
“Día de los Muertos is a day that I keep close to my heart because I’ve lost a lot of family members within these past few years, and it’s been a good way for me to grieve,” Larios said. “I’ve always wanted to do something for my community, and so I thought today would be a good day to give back.”
Larios actualized this idea while working under Dr. Melissa Durham, the assistant dean of diversity and inclusion at the USC School of Pharmacy.
“Hispanics… are a huge majority of our surrounding community,” Durham said. “So, we want to really showcase our commitment to connecting with that community and also raise awareness and provide education for everyone about this beautiful holiday.”
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a holiday celebrated on November 2, although some communities extend it from October 31 through the first week of November. It aims to honor the return of the souls of deceased loved ones to the world of the living. While the celebration has roots in Mexico and Central America, Día de los Muertos has spread throughout the world, with celebrations held throughout communities through the United States, South America, the Philippines and even parts of Europe and Australia.
At the center of the celebration are altars called ofrendas, which are erected near gravesites, community centers and in homes. Ofrendas are typically decorated with photos, food, candles and various other items for the dead to enjoy during their time back on earth.
Sofia Reyes, a graduate student studying public health, said that even though she is not near her family to celebrate Día de los Muertos, she keeps her traditions strong by making a miniature ofrenda to honor her relatives and pets who have passed away. While she will not be able to attend the School of Pharmacy’s celebration, she said she thinks it’s a good way to celebrate culture and share resources.
“I think this event is really important,” Reyes said. “It’s kind of like a double-whammy. It’s like we’re celebrating you, and we’re celebrating your traditions since we’re in your space, and we’re also offering support.”
Attendees are encouraged to bring photos of deceased loved ones and offerings to decorate the altar and “tree of life” at the event. Real candles will not be allowed, but battery operated lights are welcome. Those interested in attending can register here.