Mexican authors remembered at Dia de los Muertos

Students honored great Mexican authors at this year's Dia de los Muertos celebration at the Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC).
Thirteen students worked with San Antonio artist, Jane Madrigal, to build a traditional alter. The alter was meant to honor the authors in the Big Read selection "Sun, Stone and Shadows" who have passed away.

"I had a great time. It wasn't something you get to do every day. It isn't too often that I get to work on an altar for the Day of the Dead," said Jenny Dodge, an English major that helped create the altar.

"I am not artistic in the least," said Dodge, but she was still able to help with, "both the candles and the sugar skulls."

Margot Rochon, an Administrative Assistant for the Department of Foreign Languages, also played a part in creating the altar.   
"Jane was speaking to Rosa [Davila] about putting things with the altar [that] these writers would've enjoyed having like soda pop, cigarettes, or fruit. I gave the cow skull and the typewriter that is part of that altar," said Rochon.   
Rochon, Madrigal and the ACC students were not the only ones who enjoyed the festivities of the holiday. Spanish Professor Rosa Davila found it rewarding to see ACC's The Big Read present at Dia de Los Muertos.    
"This is our closing day after seven weeks of ACC's Big Read. We've had more than 50 events throughout the city and today is the culmination of all the hard work," said Davila.  
She is the Program Manager for ACC's Big Read, and she was at the MACC enjoying the Dia de Los Muertos along with people painting faces, showing off their classic cars, decorating sugar skulls, making jewelry and altars.
"I feel very satisfied to see ACC students getting involved," said Davila. "To see the community getting to know more about the Mexican culture; it is the reason I am part of this."