Cultural Events
Cultural Events
What makes you unique, is what makes the SACNAS conference unique. At the 2019 SACNAS conference, we’re celebrating your identity and how your unique experiences, history, and culture are powerful assets for a successful journey in STEM, and a critical part of pushing science and innovation forward. While this is an important component threaded throughout the entire conference, our multicultural events encourage attendees to engage in meaningful traditional cultural experiences in a widely inclusive and welcoming space.
Dia de Muertos Ofrenda
Thursday, October 31 to Saturday, November 2 (Exact Hours TBA)
Lobby / Registration Area
Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is an annual Mexican day of celebration for people to gather and remember those who have passed, primarily through the creation of an ofrenda (altar). With this year’s conference falling on Dia de Muertos (November 1 and 2), SACNAS is proud to present an ofrenda for attendees to participate in this celebration during the conference.
Dia de Muertos originated several thousand years ago with the Aztec, Toltec, and other Nahua people. Rather than mourning the deceased, Dia de Muertos is an uplifting celebration of death as a natural phase of life, and a time to keep the memory and spirit of those who have passed alive. (Dia de Muertos is not connected to nor is it a “Mexican version of” Halloween.)
Along with music, food, and sharing stories of loved ones who have passed, the centerpiece of Dia de Muertos is an ofrenda (altar) which is built in cemeteries or in the home. Ofrendas will include traditional decorations (calaveras (sugar skulls), aztec marigolds, papel picado (pierced paper), & incense) along with the favorite foods, beverages, memorabilia and photos of the departed.
All conference attendees are invited to bring photos and mementos from their loved ones to contribute to the #2019SACNAS ofrenda!
SACNAS will also provide some photos of STEM role models, mentors, and SACNAS founders and elders for the ofrenda. We will rely on our community to bring other photos of those who they feel should be represented.
Important note about cigarettes and alcohol: In accordance with our smoke and alcohol policy, please refrain from adding cigarettes and alcohol to the ofrenda.
More Events Coming Soon!
