So you saw Coco; now what? Students, faculty, and the BYU community are invited to participate in our Día de los Muertos celebration to learn the cultural and spiritual significance of the holiday
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a holiday blending Mesoamerican and Catholic European traditions to commemorate loved ones who have passed away. To honor these ancestors, an altar or ofrenda is built to offer safe passage to the souls of those who have passed to visit once a year. Food offerings, sweets, beverages, flowers, toys (for children), and holy symbols are placed on the altar, along with photos of loved ones, to invite the spirits to join us once again for a happy celebration.
The most recognized and ornate Día de los Muertos traditions are found in Mexico. Recently, it has become increasingly popular among Latino communities worldwide, especially in the United States.
This kickoff event, held ahead of the holiday in November, will include ofrendas on display in the Wilkinson Center Garden Court starting at 10 AM.
Starting 3 PM, there will be performances from several groups:
- Bailando con el corazón (Director: Dulce Benjamín)
- Los hermanos de los Andes
- Mariachi los Pumas
- Living Legends (Director: Jaimie Kalamawood)