Harper displays Día de los Muertos ofrendas

Harper College is celebrating Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, with an annual display of colorful and ornate ofrendas, or altars, through Wednesday, November 6 in the college’s Building D, Rotunda.

Día de los Muertos is a traditional Mexican holiday celebrated primarily on November 1-2. It is a vibrant, joyous occasion where families come together to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away. The holiday combines ancient Aztec customs of commemorating the deceased with Catholic practices brought by Spanish colonizers, creating a unique blend of cultural and religious traditions. 

Central to Día de los Muertos are ofrendas, which families set up in their homes or at cemeteries. These altars are decorated with photographs, mementos, and the favorite foods and drinks of the deceased. While it is a time of remembrance, Día de los Muertos is not a somber event. Instead, it is filled with vibrant colors, music, dancing and celebration, as people believe that their loved ones return to be with them during these days.