Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

Celebrating Día de los Muertos

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a two-day celebration honoring deceased family members and loved ones. November 1 is Día de los Inocentes (Day of the Innocents), dedicated to the souls of children. The honoring of adult souls takes place on November 2. 

Rooted in Mexican and Indigenous cultures, Día de los Muertos is a celebration where Latin American families join together to visit and clean gravestones and provide offerings of food and drink on altars, known as ofrendas. Many light candles and incense, or place fresh flowers or the deceased’s favorite items on their ofrendas. Stories are passed back and forth to honor and remember the dead. 

An important distinction is that Day of the Dead should not be compared with Halloween. In fact, the commercialization of Día de los Muertos appropriates its cultural significance. Instead of buying commercially-made decorations, you can attend some local Día de los Muertos events:

• November 4: The 11th Annual Festival de las Calaveras: Twin Cities Latinx Music + Arts Festival 

• November 4: The annual Día de los Muertos festival at La Doña Cervecería brewery 

• November 5: Draggy Divas Presenta: Dia De Los Muertos at La Doña Cervecería brewery 

Dr. Jessica Lopez Lyman, Assistant Professor in the UMN Department of Chicano and Latino Studies, explains how the UMN community can observe Día de los Muertos and support those who are celebrating. 

How does the UMN community celebrate Día de los Muertos? 

We have always created an ofrenda in the department. Sometimes, student groups create an ofrenda, too, like Mi Gente on the 2nd floor of the union. We build the altar and then during DDLM, we invite a local Danza Azteca group to come and bless the space with ceremony and teachings. 

How can UMN staff/students support those who are celebrating Día de los Muertos?

Talk about their own ancestors who have passed, and take small moments to reflect on the cycles of life. 

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