The ball is in observance of the Mexican holiday, Día de los Muertos.
More than 200 people are expected to attend this year, Housing and Residence Life Assistant Director Ruben Santibanez said. Last year, 172 people attended.
Campus community members are welcome to bring friends. The dance will provide attendees the opportunity to learn about the original meaning and holiday traditions.
Asked what the day is about, Santibanez replied, “The celebration and remembering those that have passed away … [and] giving them that extra time.”
Chief Residential Assistant Nayeli Garcia said students can participate in several activities, including limbo, musical chairs and sugar-skull decorating.
Different UTRGV departments and organizations, including the International Student Organization and University Recreation, collaborated to make the dance happen.
Additionally, more than 40 student volunteers are helping in the event.
International Student Organization President Aleyda Meza is one of the student members helping in organizing the ball. ISO will present a traditional Día de los Muertos dance inspired by the ones in Central Mexico. Meza said it is a good way of showing Mexican traditions to all of UTRGV. They held three rehearsals last week.
One ISO member will be dressed up as a charro and another as a catrina, which is the elegant female figure of the holiday. The organization will also give a presentation on Día de los Muertos.
Garcia and Santibanez said the decorations at the dance will remain as close to the original tradition as possible. The decorations will include a traditional-style Día de los Muertos altar.
Attendees will be able to participate in a costume contest. The prize will be awarded by UREC.
Both said students are encouraged to dress up in costume. However , attendees not partaking in the costume contest can dress in casual attire. Makeup stations will be available for attendees who want traditional Día de los Muertos makeup applied. A free photo booth will also be available.
Costume contest participants will be judged based on overall look, face makeup and outfits. Color is a key factor judges will be looking for. They are looking for original but traditional face makeup.
“We are looking for people to express themselves through their costume,” Santibanez said. “We really want to see creativity.”
Campus community members are also encouraged to bring photos of their deceased loved ones to place on the dance’s altar. He said he hopes the ball’s activities will help people learn about the culture.
Students interested in volunteering to help decorate the morning of the event can email Santibanez at ruben.santibanez@utrgv.edu.
For more information, email Garcia at nayeli.e.garcia01@utrgv.edu or Santibanez.
