Día de los Muertos 2021
Please join us for our Dia de los Muertos events!
What is Día de los Muertos?
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a 2-day celebration where families celebrate their loved ones who have passed. It is believed that the passageway between the real world and the spirit world is open so our deceased loved ones can come back to visit us and celebrate by sharing a meal.
November 1st, called Dia de los Angelitos celebrates the lives of children who have passed, and November 2nd is used to celebrate all of those who have passed.
Traditions vary based on geographic location, but celebrations usually include:
- Offrendas / Altars: A table of offerings put out for the deceased. This usually includes photos of the deceased and their favorite foods and drinks.
- Calaveras / Skulls: Smiling skulls are a popular image during the two-day celebration. They are used to remind us that death comes to all and that death does not have to be a somber event.
- Cempasuchli / Marigolds: Believed to be the pathways that guide the spirits to their ofrendas, the flower’s vibrant colors and scent attract the departed souls, as they return to feast on their favorite foods.
Each year, El Centro creates some form of an offrenda so that all students, staff, faculty, and community members can honor their family members who have passed.