Guanajuato, Gto., November 2, 2016.- "There isn't much difference between an asleep man and a dead man", used to say Don Quijote de la Mancha. Hence, the University of Guanajuato (UG) celebrates the 400 death-anniversary of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, bringing him back to life with a monumental offering on the day of the dead.
This is the biggest offer of the day of the dead in the country in its kind, which is placed on the stairway of the emblematic building of the University at Lascurain de Retana, and it is built with the fundamental principal of "levels" of the kingdom of death.
Fifteen years ago, this offering began and the tradition hasn't stopped, since every year, this time 240 students from the class of Artistic Appreciation of the High School Guanajuato, led by M.A. Jesús Antonio Borja, were responsible to provide life to this beautiful tradition that undoubtedly enriches the Mexican culture.
The offering is composed by three levels made by the stairway; in the first, we find the dedication, followed by the indigenous symbol of the solar eclipse, parting from the idea that the Sun and the Moon are the first deities that all cultures have in common and to which they celebrate death.
To remark miscegenation of our culture, in the second part, there is a cross that represents the arrival of Catholicism to America. Finally, in the third part, the visitors find the offering to Miguel de Cervantes.
This year, the students made a cemetery at the top pf the stairway. Everything comes to life at 7pm every November 2nd when the students light the candles, recreating a path of light towards death.
During the event, UG's General Rector, Dr. Luis Felipe Guerrero Agripino, recognized the work and talent from the students, as well as their effort for sharing and assure the traditions that compose the identity for the Mexicans.
On his part, M.A. Jesús Antonio Borja reminded that "in Mexico the candy is spicy and death is celebrated", denoting the rich and contrasting celebration of the Day of the Dead in our country, at the same time he invited all institutions to support and diffuse these events to strengthen our identity.
