ENMU's Hispanic Affairs Sponsoring Altar Competition

Date: 11/1/2002
Contact: Wendel Sloan at 505.562.2253
Reporter: Colleen Wright

PORTALES – Eastern New Mexico University's Office of Hispanic Affairs is sponsoring an altar competition for Dia de los Muertos, a Mexican celebration, Monday, Nov. 4, from 12-2 p.m. in the Campus Union Building Ballroom.

Dia de los Muertos stands for the day of the death. This Mexican tradition is for people to honor all the family and friends that have died in their life.

Everyone makes altars for this day. The altars are decorated in remembrance of the people being honored. People hang everything from candles and flowers to the person's favorite food or clothing. There will be an altar contest at the end of the festival, with a first, second and third prize.

Traditional snacks of bizcochitos and atole will be served while the Ballet Flolklorico performs for the crowd. Ballet Flolklorico is a dancing and singing group from Portales High School.

For more information, call 562.2451.

A Spanish class from Portales High School won last year's altar competition with an entry honoring Mother Theresa.  (photo by Nancy Varelas)