Campus Connection

Cecilia Moreno knows that once a year she gets to enjoy treats like sugar skulls. Those delicacies only come out on Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. Moreno, along with other members of the Latin American Student Organization (LASO) shared all about the holiday with the UWL campus on Wednesday. “I love when people are interested and I can show them a glimpse into my life,” says Moreno, who is vice president of LASO and Mexican-American. Since its inception, the Day of the Dead has evolved with the integration of Spanish, Latin American and Catholic cultures. Today, it’s seen as a major holiday in Latin American countries. Most people have the day off to celebrate and spend time with loved ones who have passed. “It’s a big part of the culture,” she says. “Everyone looks forward to it every year.” Moreno knows the value of experiencing other cultures. When she first moved here, she went to the Hmong New Year event. “It shows respect for people,” says Moreno. “And it’s exciting to learn about others without having to go too far.”