Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry comes to Auraria

**Students celebrate and relax between classes in wizarding world fashion.**
Photo: Mariana Caicedo · *The Sentry*

A Harry Potter Halloween celebration in the Tivoli Turnhalle

For those who didn’t receive their Hogwarts acceptance letter, they were cordially invited to a Hogwarts-themed event in the Tivoli Turnhalle on Oct. 24.

Students from all three schools on campus were led down a Tivoli hallway to walls decorated as Platform 9 ¾. Then they were transported into the magical world of Hogwarts faster than one could say “lumos” as they proceeded through the Turnhalle doors.

Volunteers from Element, “a fun, student-driven organization that puts on events,” according to Element leader, Jazmarary Martinez, welcomed attendees at a table where a tree with flying keys from the Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was displayed.

“Element hosts a signature Halloween event every year,” Martinez said, “We wanted to think outside the box this year, so we targeted different students who like Harry Potter. As we were putting flyers around, students were excited.”

The atmosphere fully immersed attendees into a true Hogwarts experience. Some students embraced their house pride with cloaks while others were more subtle with Harry Potter shirts and Muggle attire.

The illusion of floating candles adorned the dining area, which was complete with the four house tables—Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin—and the same flying key trees as well as house banners hanging from the balcony.

Even the finest details made an appearance, such as Nearly Headless Nick peering out of a window and Azkaban wanted posters with mugshots of characters plastered on a wall.

Sitting at the Hufflepuff table, Lindsey Miller, a second-year art education major, said, “I wanted to attend this event because it’s spooky season. Plus, I’m a Harry Potter fan.” She then commented, “They have really good decorations, so props to them.”

A fellow student next to her, Samantha Nuanes, a second year song writing major, added, “I love Harry Potter and this seemed like a good opportunity to hang out and relax between tests.”

A feast of candy and pizza that was suitable for the Great Hall at Hogwarts kept even the biggest appetite of Ron Weasley satisfied. For those who wanted to conquer their opponent at Wizard’s Chess, there was a giant chess board set up on the ground.

A photo booth with a Hogwarts backdrop and props ranging from wands and broomsticks, to the Sorting Hat and house ties were available for those who wanted to capture their time at the event. There was even a cut-out of fan favorite ghost Moaning Myrtle. Students got into character by looking threatening with wands and jumping the moment pictures were taken to appear like they were flying.

The event was topped off with a showing of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone as well as pumpkin painting and henna tattoos.

With all these festivities, some students were acting like they had won the House Cup.

This event, and others like it, wouldn’t be possible without student fees funding Element. In addition to being a student-driven organization, Element has the goal to “create a fun atmosphere for students” by putting on “events so students can come out on campus instead of going home after class since it’s a commuter school,” Martinez said. “We’ve noticed that we’ve had a lot of regulars as well as new students who enjoy our events.”

For those who are interested in attending future events, Element hosts them on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Element
Facebook: Element at Auraria
Instagram: @elementauraria