Día de los Muertos Celebration at UA: To honor Dia de los Muertos, the University of Alabama Student Center hosts an altar and poetry display from Nov. 1-8. This celebration, widely observed in Mexico and beyond, pays tribute to departed family and friends.
A collaborative effort involving UA associations, including the College of Arts and Sciences Department of Modern Languages and Classics, the Hispanic-Latino Association, the Latinx Faculty and Staff Association, and the Sigma Delta Pi National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society, brings this event to life.
Yunuen Gómez-Ocampo, a Spanish instructor at UA, leads the coordination and decoration of the altar. The display includes photographs, candles, food, drinks, marigolds, and personal belongings, creating a vibrant tribute.
Gómez-Ocampo shares, On November 1st, I led a community engagement event with interactive activities and storytelling at University Place Elementary School with my students of SP368 Translation and Interpreting.
Erin Hidalgo, a senior majoring in Spanish and international studies, organized an event to create calaveritas, traditional Mexican poems associated with Dia de los Muertos. These humorous and satirical poems are displayed next to the altar as part of the decoration.
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Hidalgo, the director of recruitment for Sigma Delta Pi, expresses excitement about the event and looks forward to collecting more calaveritas next year.
On Nov. 7, a panel featuring leaders from Hispanic and Latino community programs will discuss their involvement in Tuscaloosas Hispanic and Latino communities. The panel aims to foster cultural understanding and community relationships, accompanied by food samples for attendees.
This is a series of cultural events to learn about the Mexican tradition of Day of the Dead and community advocacy efforts, says Gómez-Ocampo. The intention is to connect with the local Hispanic and Latinx community by sharing the experiences of community leaders.
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Our Reader’s Queries
How is Day of the Dead celebrated in the United States?
In cities, it’s common to see folks bringing flowers to their loved ones’ graves, lighting candles, and showing their respects to the departed. However, these visits are usually quick and less involved compared to the more intricate and detailed celebrations in rural and indigenous communities. In these communities, the preparations for honoring the deceased often start many weeks or even months beforehand, resulting in elaborate and heartfelt festivities.
Where is the best place to see the Day of the Dead in Mexico?
Many people regard Oaxaca as the best spot to experience Day of the Dead.
What is the difference between the celebrations on November 1 and 2?
The festivities occur on November 1 and 2. November 1 is for kids, known as All Saints’ Day in the Catholic calendar, while November 2 is for adults, called the Faithful Departed.
What does Dios de los Muertos celebrate?
LOS ANGELES Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a special time for families and friends to honor their departed loved ones and, as per custom, come together with them once again. This lively two-day festival, held every year on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2, is not a sad occasion.