The Arkansas State University Museum and staff gathered to commemorate the Mexican-Catholic heritage holiday, Day of the Dead, in their annual Día De Los Muertos celebration on Saturday.

Día De Los Muertos is a holiday stemming from the indigenous Mexican tradition of honoring the deceased and is celebrated all across Mexico, many parts of Central and Latin America, and by many Mexican-Americans in the United States. 

The tradition blends its roots with the Catholic religion as well. The holidays’ multi-day celebrations on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2 account for both the celebration of All-Saints Day and All Souls Day (Día De Los Muertos).

The Día De Los Muertos event featured a decorative ofrenda, mimicking that of the altars displayed in Mexican streets and homes for the holiday. Attendees from A-State and the Jonesboro community were encouraged to bring photos of their deceased loved ones, as well as write a note to their loved one, to be displayed on the ofrenda.

The holiday aims to bring celebration and peace to the mourning and commemoration of those who have passed on. Jill Kary, A-State Museum curator, said she hopes attendees will take away a large sense of gratitude from Día De Los Muertos.

“I hope people will gain a deep appreciation for remembering those who have passed on, knowing that you don’t always have to be sad when you think of them,” Kary said. “You can think of them with a joke, you can think about their favorite things, their likes, their dislikes, just thinking of what made them who they were instead of just remembering their passing.”

Guests were encouraged to partake in many Día De Los Muertos activities, including face-paint ing and pottery painting stations, the “Graveyard Game,” a crafting station for making marigold flowers–the staple flower of the holiday–out of colored paper, as well as the reading of “The Dead Family Diaz” by P.J. Bracegirdle.

For some, the event was also a time to indulge in the celebration of their own culture and roots, and to acknowledge and appreciate the importance of Latino traditions. Anne McGee, associate professor of Spanish at A-State, said she brings her children to this event every year.

“I bring my kids here every year because they are half Mexican. My husband is Mexican, and I teach Spanish, so it’s a part of their culture. We don’t get to participate in that many activities around town that they can celebrate.” McGee said. “The kids really like making the tissue paper flowers and finding the altar and my daughter will write to her abuelito. Her grandpa died a few years ago, so she’ll always write a little note and put it on the altar for him to see.”

Future Día De Los Muertos events are scheduled from other organizations as well.

El Centro Hispano is hosting a celebration from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Nov. 15, at the Cooper Alumni Center. The event will feature live music, dinner, dancing and an auction. Tickets are $80 per person and seating is limited.

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