- 11/14/2024
On November 1, 2024, the international exchange event “Let's Enjoy the World More! Cross-Cultural Exchange Festa ‘Día de los Muertos’” was held during lunch break. This time, Sebastián Delgadillo Gonzales, a student on the Short-Term Exchange Program from Mexico, introduced his country's traditional culture, the “Day of the Dead.” 100 students and faculty members interested in foreign cultures attended the event.
The “Day of the Dead,” similar to the Obon Festival in Japan, is held annually on November 1 and 2. It is a day to remember deceased family members, relatives, friends, and pets. Marigold flowers are used to guide the dead, and an altar called Ofrenda is decorated with food, drinks, flowers, candles, and various other items that the deceased loved.
The students who participated in this event said, “This was the first time I heard about the Mexican Day of the Dead. I found it to be a very fun event, with bright and lively decorations,” “I didn't know much about Mexico, but I thought it was great that the whole country holds such an event!” “Thank you very much, Sebastian. I learned a lot and enjoyed it very much. I would like to go see the parade someday.”
We hope to continue to feature traditional cultures from various countries in the future, so that Japanese and international students can learn about different cultures and customs, and to provide an opportunity for cross-cultural understanding.