Latino/a Programs and Services is setting up an ofrenda, the Spanish word for altar, for Dia de los Muertos, allowing the Fresno State community to grieve and remember their loved ones.
To reserve a spot for a loved one’s photo, contact [email protected].
Frames will be provided while supplies last, after which one would have to provide their own.
The ofrenda will be located in Room 111 of the Thomas Building at Fresno State from Oct. 31 – Nov. 1 and will be available to view from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cynthia Villalobos, assistant coordinator in Latino/a Programs and Services, said celebrating the tradition on campus is important because not everyone may have the resources to do so in their own home.
“Hosting an ofrenda on campus is important because it allows the campus community who may not have the space or resources available to create their own,” Villalobos said. “The holiday is a chance for us to spend time with our deceased loved ones and I want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to participate.”
The center has received over a dozen photos so far, according to Villalobos. The deadline for submissions is Oct. 30.
What is Dia de los Muertos?
Dia de los Muertos is celebrated Nov. 1-2, but can vary depending on religion, and is meant to remember, celebrate and honor family members that have passed away.
Nov. 1 is celebrated to honor the lives of those who passed as children. Nov. 2 is for remembering the lives of the individuals who passed as adults.
Part of the celebration is setting up an ofrenda, dedicated to lost loved ones that usually displays their photos along with flowers and other decorations.
The ofrenda also features the deceased’s favorite foods and treats as an offering for them to come visit.
It is believed that the ofrenda provides an invitation for lost loved ones to visit their family on earth.
“With Dia de Los Muertos, I’m able to sit and reflect on how lucky I am to have been able to experience their presence in my life and find peace in knowing they get to visit with me, even for just those two days,” Villalobos said.
The most commonly used flower for ofrendas is the orange marigold. The marigold represents the mortality of life and its brightness is meant to guide the souls of loved ones back home.
Dia de los Muertos has been observed for over 3,000 years and derives from early Aztec and Mayan celebrations in Mexico.
Villalobos’ favorite part about the holiday is getting to remember her siblings and decorating their headstones while bonding with her mom.
“We shop and decorate for the holiday together, and it has truly become my favorite part about observing the holiday,” she said. “It also gives us the chance to laugh about the memories we have of each person, share photos and videos, and chat about what we miss most about them.”
