Día de los Muertos @ SHAMc

What is Día de los Muertos?

Día de los Muertos is one of Mexico’s most meaningful traditions — a holiday that joyfully honors our departed loved ones with altars (ofrendas), food, music, and art.

This celebration is rooted in remembrance and connection. It invites us to pause, share stories, and welcome the spirits of family, friends, and even pets back for a brief visit.

Symbols of Día de los Muertos

The altars are full of symbolism, each item carefully chosen to guide, welcome, and honor the departed:

• Candles to light the way home.

• Marigold flowers (or coxcomb, chrysanthemums) — their bright colors and scents act as guides for spirits.

• Photos of loved ones who have passed.

• Personal items that were treasured by the departed.

• Sugar skulls or ceramic calaveras to remind us of the beauty of life and death.

• Copal incense to cleanse the space and ward off negativity.

• Papel picado (colorful paper banners) — the cutouts and fluttering paper symbolize the fragile line between life and death.

• Glass of water for thirsty spirits.

• Favorite drinks — tequila, mezcal, or even beer.

• Favorite foods, especially fresh produce.

• Pan de muerto, a traditional sweet bread.

• Salt, often in the shape of a cross, symbolizing protection and balance.

These are just the traditional ideas — each altar is personal, and your contribution can include anything that feels meaningful.

How You Can Contribute at SHAMc

This year, SHAMc will transform our auditorium into a large community shrine to honor our dearly departed friends, family, and pets. Here’s how you can be part of it:

• Send or bring a photocopy of a photo (8x10 or 5x7) of your loved one. Please do not bring originals.

• Create your own small shrine or ofrenda to tell a story about your loved one and bring it to SHAMc.

• Join our community creation stations on Friday and Saturday to make offerings that will become part of the installation.

Installation Schedule

• Thursday, October 30 | 12–5 pm – Installation begins

• Friday, October 31 | 12–8 pm – Open for trick-or-treating & community creating

• Saturday, November 1 | 10 am–8 pm – Community creating continues

• Sunday, November 2 | 10 am–5 pm – Final day to visit the installation

An Invitation to Remember Together

Día de los Muertos is a celebration of life as much as death. By building this installation together, we create a space of memory, art, and love. Whether you bring a photo, light a candle, or simply come to see the altars, your presence helps honor the community we share.

We invite you to join us — to celebrate, to remember, and to create.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Heather at events@shamc.org