Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a holiday practiced throughout Latin America, specifically in Mexico. It allows families to connect with their late relatives by allowing the spirits of the afterlife to come to the real world. There are many sacred traditions practiced on Día de los Muertos, including the making of Calaveras (sugar skulls) and hanging up marigold flowers. However, the creation of the Ofrenda stands out the most.
The Ofrenda is an altar set up by each family to welcome passed on spirits back into the land of the living. The altar has a portrait of each departed member of the family, their favorite food, drinks, personal belongings, Calaveras, and Marigold flowers. The word “Ofrenda” means “offering” in English which is why various items are put on the altar. They are offerings to honor loved ones who are deceased.
Notre Dame has a large Hispanic population, some of which set up Ofrendas themselves. Ms. Galvan, admissions office coordinator at Notre Dame, celebrates the tradition of the Ofrenda, even having one in her house. “My family actually has an Ofrenda set up all year long… My family has our Ofrenda set up on top of our fireplace in our current home.” She also explained why the tradition is so sacred to her and her family. “In my household, ofrendas are so significant because that is how we honor our loved ones who have passed. We believe they are always watching over us but dia de los muertos is when they come to visit. I love this part of my culture because I feel like death is not something that is scary and finite.”
(Ms. Galvan)
The Notre Dame family sets up an Ofrenda as well. Our Ofrenda sits under the west stairwell in Moreau Hall, across from room 7. The Ofrenda is set up annually by Campus Ministry and serves as a beacon of our representative community.
Doctora Buenaventura Torres-Ayala, Spanish III teacher and moderator of the Avancemos Club shares her opinion on the Notre Dame Ofrenda, “In conversation, I have heard various maintenance members express that they like having an Ofrenda on campus. They feel it allows them to include their deceased family members in their place of employment. Having an Ofrenda shows them that this cultural tradition is validated and revered.”
It is incredibly important that people who celebrate Día de los Muertos are represented and given the opportunity to practice familial cultural traditions. However, the Ofrenda is not reserved just for members of the Hispanic community. “I encourage my students of all backgrounds to contribute pictures of their deceased loved ones. I think they probably feel proud when they see the photos displayed in the Ofrenda,” said Doctora.
If you have a loved one you want to honor, be sure to add a photo of them to the Ofrenda.
The Notre Dame Ofrenda is a great way to celebrate the traditions of Día de los Muertos, even if you do not come from Hispanic descent. The Ofrenda serves as a beacon of hope for our community and a reminder to always be inclusive of other traditions.
