Submitted by the Joyce L. Sobel Family Resource Center.

The Joyce L. Sobel Family Resource Center will be sponsoring a community Dia de los Muertos event on the evenings of Nov. 1 and 2, from 4-8 p.m. A traditional Dia de los Muertos altar will be set up on the lawn between the Resource Center and the Mullis Center. Community members of all backgrounds are invited to celebrate their deceased loved ones by bringing photos or flowers for the altar or to simply experience this important holiday in person. Warm drinks and simple activities for children will also be provided.

Mexican “Day of the Dead” is celebrated in Mexico during the days of Nov. 1 and 2. In pre-Hispanic times, death was considered a basic element of culture to be acknowledged and celebrated. When a loved one died, they were buried wrapped in a petate (handmade rug) and relatives organized a party in order to guide them on their journey to Mictlán, a place where souls can rest.

During Dia de los Muertos, death does not represent an absence but a living presence. The spirits of all deceased children (Angelitos) are allowed to reunite with their families on Nov. 1 and on Nov. 2, the spirits of the adults come down to enjoy the festivities that are prepared for them.

In many communities throughout Mexico, beautiful altars are made in each home, decorated with candles, buckets of flowers called cempasuchil, mounds of fruit, peanuts, plates of mole, stacks of tortillas and big loaves of bread called Pan de Muertos. On Nov. 1, food, bottles of soda, hot cocoa, water, toys and candles are left for the Angelitos, and on Nov. 2, cigarettes, shots of mezcal or tequila are offered to the adults. Little folk-art skeletons and sugar skulls provide the final touch.