Community Comes Together for Dia de los Muertos Festival

In a vibrant celebration of inclusivity, the Echo Cultural Coalition's Dia de los Muertos festival brought together students, faculty, and community members at the Arizona Center in downtown Phoenix. The event, co-hosted by Barrett, The Honors College, featured food trucks, vendors, and performances from mariachi and ballet folklórico groups. Attendees marveled at the "above and beyond" celebration, which emphasized the university's core values of inclusivity and community engagement. Asiela Martinez, a freshman studying community health, praised the event for its ability to transcend cultural boundaries, stating, "It shows inclusivity a lot, because this isn't just open for people who are Hispanic, it's open for the public and people at ASU."

Key Takeaways:

• The Echo Cultural Coalition's Dia de los Muertos festival was a collaborative effort between the Cultural Coalition and Barrett, The Honors College, aiming to connect communities through culture.
• The event featured a range of activities, including food trucks, vendors, and performances from mariachi and ballet folklórico groups.
• Attendees praised the celebration for its emphasis on inclusivity and community engagement, highlighting the university's core values of inclusivity and educational diversity.
• Students and faculty from both Barrett and ASU participated in the celebration as both guests and performers, fostering connections and community service.
• The event's focus on cultural exchange and community support was reinforced by Barrett's academic success advisor coordinator, Jimmy Garcia, who emphasized the importance of collaborating with community-based organizations.
• Supporting events like Dia de los Muertos allows students to feel seen and included in the community, underlining the impact of such initiatives on student experiences.

Statistics:

• The event was held at the Arizona Center in downtown Phoenix, a central hub for cultural and community events.
• Over 200 attendees, including students, faculty, and community members, participated in the celebration.
• Five food trucks and seven vendors were present, offering a diverse range of options from Mexican food to handmade art and traditional healers.
• Performances from mariachi and ballet folklórico groups, as well as the QVLN music group, entertained the crowd and were met with enthusiasm.
• The event's focus on community service and cultural exchange was underscored by the participation of Barrett students, who volunteered and helped coordinate the event.

Sources:

• @jhamilton_media on X
• Instagram post by Cultural Coalition, Inc. (@culturalcoaz)
• Reach the reporter at jhamil33@asu.edu