Event Details

Since 2014, Prof. Ernesto Ortiz-Díaz (Spanish & Portuguese/ Latin American Studies) has been putting up our altar for this commemoration in collaboration with some students. This year will be no exception!

Taking into consideration the delicate health situation we are going through, there will be no face-to-face dedication ceremony this year. We will definitely miss sharing tamales, Mexican hot chocolate, and Pan de Muertos with all of you!

Our altar will be hosted in the Department of Multicultural Life lounge and will be open for visits for two weeks: Monday, November 9th to Friday, November 20th. Everyone is welcome! 

The display will be open for visits in Kagin Commons, first floor, according to the schedule below, and in the respect of social distancing and our shared community commitment. Please use the Department of Multicultural Life's reservation form to schedule a visit to the space. 

Week 1 - Monday, November 9th to Friday, November 13th: Open for visits from the whole campus community  

Week 2 - Monday, November 16th to Friday, November 20th: Open exclusively for the Spanish Program students (labs), faculty, and staff.

Each fall, México and other parts of the historical and cultural area known as Mesoamerica come to life with the preparation of el Día de Muertos.  November first in most places in the Spanish-speaking world is known as Todos los Santos/All Saints’ Day. However, in México and the rest of Mesoamerica it is the beginning of el Día de Muertos, a celebration that has been commemorated for over 3.000 years.

Given the importance of this millenary celebration, UNESCO proclaimed the “Indigenous Festivity dedicated to the Dead”, or Día de Muertos celebration, as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2003 and this proclamation was inscribed in 2008.

Check our Noticias for more insights about el Día de Muertos!