Past Events

In recent years Day of the Dead celebrations in the U.S. have garnered significant attention. Now, alongside Halloween costumes and decorations, you may see your local stores selling colorful skulls, images of la Catrina, flower head crowns, and whimsical representations of death. The popularity of the holiday has also caught Hollywood’s attention with films such as The Book of Life (2014),  Spectre (2015), and Coco (2017), depicting vibrant celebrations. While there is rising popularity and commercial success associated with the holiday, the histories and aesthetic sensibilities are largely overshadowed. For instance, U.S. celebrations can be attributed to the first public celebrations hosted by two communities in Northern and Southern California, the Mission District and Boyle Heights, respectively. Since the early 1970s, these communities have commemorated Day of the Dead by erecting public altars denouncing the violence and harms marginalized peoples experience, a much overlooked detail.

Given the historical and social dimensions largely neglected in mainstream Day of the Dead celebrations, the presentation will discuss how Chicanx artists and communities have commemorated the dead. 

On October 6th the Newman Catholic Club is hosting an event with Than Christopoulos on the evidence for god. Can we really justify an existence for god? What are the philosophic implications? Join us as we learn more.