Halloween and all of its attendant revelries are in full swing this week, and you can commemorate this spooky holiday by participating in local events or attractions.

The Latin American Student Association is promoting a different perspective of the holiday — one with a little more history than costume contests and carved pumpkins. Join LASA in Jack’s Place Friday, Nov. 2, at 2 p.m. to celebrate and learn more about Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead.

This is a multi-part event that includes a presentation explaining the significance of this holiday in Latin American culture, a viewing of an educational video about the holiday, a performance by professional Mexican dancers and a display of an authentic Day of the Dead altar.

Program Advisor Willie C. Harmon, Jr. said that he and LASA organized this event in an effort to bring an authentic educational experience and celebration of this important Latin American holiday to SDSU.

“There is a lot of diversity within Latin American culture. We wanted to make sure their voice is heard at SDSU. One way to do that is to highlight one of the many great and unique traditions within the culture,” Harmon said.

Jesus Ramirez, a resident of Sioux Falls who works as a case manager for Black Hills Special Services, was recommended by the Multicultural Center of Sioux Falls as a great resource for Latin American perspective.  He will be assembling the altar and giving a presentation on Dia de los Muertos.

“If you have an interest in different cultures, you should definitely check out this event — it should be awesome,” Harmon said.