Dia de los Muertos (Nov. 1–2)

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a time to remember, honor, and celebrate loved ones who have died. A holiday in Mexico, the tradition is marked across much of Latin America and the United States. The festivities span at least two days: Nov. 1, known as Día de los Inocentes (“Day of the Innocents”) or Día de los Angelitos (“Day of the Little Angels”), which honors deceased children, and Nov. 2, the actual Día de los Muertos, when deceased adults are remembered.

The holiday traces its roots back to the Aztec Empire in what is now Mexico. Today, observances vary from region to region, but at home many families build altars (called ofrendas, or offerings), which are adorned with food, candles, flowers, and photos of the deceased. The representations of human skeletons or skulls (Calavera) associated with the holiday were created by Mexican printmaker José Guadalupe Posada (1851–1913). In the U.S., artists and activists popularized the Day of the Dead in the 1970s and 80s as part of the Chicano movement for Mexican American social and cultural empowerment. It continues to grow in popularity today.

In Woods Hole, WHOI’s LatinX Employee Resource Group and the Woods Hole Diversity Initiative invite you to join their Día de los Muertos celebration on Friday, November 1 from 4:30 – 6 p.m. in the lobby of WHOI’s Redfield Building. The institutions and community are invited to participate in decorating an altar to honor and celebrate departed loved ones and colleagues. If you wish, please bring a photo/image for the altar. There will be traditional food and drink, crafts for children, and a performance by a mariachi trio! The altar will remain in the Redfield lobby for several days.