Dia de los Muertos

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican celebration that honors and remembers loved ones who have passed away. Families create colorful ofrendas with meaningful objects to welcome and celebrate the spirits of their loved ones. The holiday is a joyful reflection of love, family, memory, and tradition.

An ofrenda is a temporary altar typically set up in homes and public spaces to welcome and honor deceased loved ones during the Dia de los Muertos celebration every October 31st through November 2nd. They include items like photographs of deceased family members, papel picado, calaveras (sugar skulls), pan de muerto (bread of the dead), Cempasúchil (marigolds), and more. Each element on the ofrenda has a special meaning and plays an important role in the celebration.

Each year, local Chicana artist Marta Sanchez builds an ofrenda in the Mexican Gallery featuring mementos made and submitted by museum visitors. The ofrenda stays on display in the museum throughout November.