WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University’s Latino Cultural Center will celebrate the Mexican holiday, “Día de los Muertos,” or Day of the Dead, with music, crafts and food from 4-7 p.m. Oct. 30 at the YWCA of Greater Lafayette at 605 N. Sixth Street in Downtown Lafayette. The event is free and open to the public.

On Día de los Muertos, people remember and honor their deceased loved ones by preparing altars for them and decorating the altars with food and valued possessions of the departed.

The holiday, which has its roots in the Aztec and indigenous cultures of Mexico, is celebrated in Mexico and in Latino communities across North America on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2, coinciding with the Roman Catholic holidays of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

“On Día de los Muertos, people remember and honor their deceased loved ones by preparing altars for them and decorating the altars with food and valued possessions of the departed,” said Maricela Alvarado, director of the Latino Cultural Center. “It’s not, however, a Mexican Halloween, as some people might think it is. The focus here is more on the celebration of the lives of one’s departed loved ones than on their death.”

At the event, approximately 15 altars will be on display, created by numerous groups including the Indiana Latino Institute, Latino Center of Tippecanoe County, Ivy Tech Spanish department, and other Purdue departments and student organizations, Alvarado said.

“This event is a modernized version of the more traditional celebration,” Alvarado said. “Consequently, some of the altar decorations will creatively address contemporary issues like tobacco cessation and cancer awareness.”

There also will be a precolonial dance demonstration by a Mexican dance troupe. Free food and refreshments will be served.

For more information, contact the Latino Cultural Center at 765-494-2530 or go to http://www.purdue.edu/lcc

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — While West Lafayette does not have a set of strict rules for trick or treating, they are offering guidelines that the West Lafayette Police Department encourages the public to observe this Halloween (Saturday, Oct 31).

• Children under the age of 12 should be accompanied by an adult.
• Carry a flashlight
• Cross the street with care
• Consider wearing reflective clothing
• Complete trick or treating prior to 9pm.
• No one should be out after dark alone.

Drivers should be cautious, especially in residential areas and at dusk when visibility is diminished. Remember, in the excitement (and sugar rush) of the moment, children often forget to hold hands or look both ways before crossing the street.

For further questions contact the West Lafayette Police at 765-775-5200.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Purdue Panhellenic Association, joined by the Interfraternity Council and Multicultural Greek Council, will sponsor the annual Halloween Trick-or-Treating event for families throughout the community from 3-5 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 26).

Parents can accompany their children to a number of university organizations’ doorsteps for a safe environment of trick-or-treating. There is no cost to participate.

Each sorority and fraternity participating in the event will be identified with orange and black balloons displayed outside the front of the house as well as a Halloween-themed sheet sign.

Maps will be available at Waldron and Third streets. Participating houses also will have maps of other stops around campus.