Day of the Dead 2024 celebration

(By Melissa Toribio ‘25, staff writer) 

As October comes to a close, another holiday draws just around the corner. 

Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos in Spanish, is a traditionally Mexican holiday generally celebrated on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2 of every year.  

This holiday serves as a time for families and friends to come together and remember loved ones who have passed away, as well as mourn and pay their respects to them.  

One of the most important elements of the holiday is the ofrenda, which translates to “offering” in English. The ofrenda is a type of altar set up during the final week of October to honor deceased loved ones. Some of the items included in an ofrenda are food, water, personal items and calaveras—more commonly known as sugar skulls. 

Every year in the Mund College Center between the dining hall and Leedy Theater, an ofrenda is set up to honor the special tradition. This year on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 11:30 a.m., there will be an ofrenda decorating taking place. 

Furthermore, on Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 11 a.m., the members of Latin Hispanic Alliance and Gallery Director Dr. McNulty will host a discussion about the significance and tradition of Día de los Muertos and the ofrenda.