On October 29, the Hale Center and Campus Ministry hosted the Día de los Muertos celebration in the Widmann Gallery as part of remembering loved ones who have gone before us in the sight of God. El Día de los Muertos is considered the day when the border between the land of the living and the land of the dead merges—a day when families celebrate the lives of their deceased loved ones.
An ofrenda is an altar built during Día de los Muertos to honor and welcome the spirits of deceased loved ones. The offerings—such as their favorite foods, drinks, photographs, and personal items—are meant to provide for the spirits’ journey and encourage their return for a brief visit. This celebration was followed by the All Souls Mass, which gives people an opportunity to light a candle for a deceased loved one starting 30 minutes before each Mass.
“I attended the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) ceremony as part of my Latin American History class,” said Jeverett Brauer. “It was a meaningful experience to observe the traditions and symbolism involved, especially the way the celebration honors the lives of those who have passed rather than focusing solely on mourning.”
