TSA goes behind the scenes at Día de los Muertos

On Saturday, Oct. 21, the SCRD Tourism Student Association attended the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) event at the Mesa Arts Center. This festival was filled with music, dance, poetry, symbolism, art installations, local markets and foods that are connected to the culture. The group learned how the traditions of a 3,000-year-old festival have been adapted into a modern event while still honoring tradition. Students were able to explore behind the scenes of the event with Arizona State alum Jalyssa Gasmen, director of Leisure Sales for Visit Mesa, who served as their host. They were also able to learn about the traditions, foods and culture before attending the event with an educational presentation.

"My favorite part of this festival was seeing the beautiful ofrendas (altars) all decorated as these structures, upon which gifts and offerings are placed in order to guide spirits back among the living just for the holiday, are dedicated to the lost family members and friends," said Hayden Horowitz, an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Tourism Development and Management (Resort and Hotel Leadership).