El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), November 2, is a day of celebration, particularly for the people in Mexico and Central America, and for many in the United States. It is a day to honor and commemorate the lives of the dearly departed and to welcome the return of their spirits. The welcoming back of the spirits is observed in households with the creation of altars or ofrendas. On the ofrenda, the main objects are symbolic of life’s elements: water, wind, fire, and earth. Water is served in a clay pitcher or glass to quench the spirit’s thirst from their long journey.
All of the events are free and open to the public!
Schedule of events:
Thursday October 23, 2025
- ZINE WORKSHOP: Día de Muertos zine workshop. In preparation for the screening of El Muerto, we will host a workshop to create zines inspired by day of the dead. After a brief introduction to the holiday, participants will be given supplies to make their own zine. Copies of the comic book El Muerto by Javier Hernandez will be raffled off at the end of the event.
- Location: Marshall 212
- Time: 3 – 5pm
- SCREENING OF EL MUERTO (2007, Brian Cox): Based on a comic book of the same name created by Javier Hernandez, the movie follows the story of Diego de la Muerte, a 21-year-old Mexican-American who is abducted, sacrificed, and sent back to the land of the living by the Aztec gods of death and destiny to fulfill an ancient prophecy.
- Location: Marroney Theatre
- Time: 5:30 – 7:30pm (doors open at 5pm)
Friday October 24, 2025
- ALTAR BUILDING WORKSHOP: We will be hosting workshops to make artifacts for the altar including flowers and skulls. The workshop will culminate with building the altar.
- Location: Center for Creative Photography
- Time: 1 – 4:30pm
Questions about any of the events? Reach out to Dr. Orquidea Morales at moraleso@arizona.edu.