By: TYRA BAHNEY
Staff Writer
@tyrabahney
There will be an exhibition and celebration in honor of Día de los Muertos on Nov. 2 at both the Civil Rights Heritage Center and the Notre Dame Center for Arts and Culture. The event is from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at both locations.
The Notre Dame Center for Arts and Culture currently has an exhibition of 20 altars, also known as ofrendas, or offerings, on display that were created by residents of South Bend. Some of the altars are very personal and dedicated to family members, some are dedicated to groups of people, and some are dedicated to famous people. The altars honor the deceased by displaying their portraits along with flowers, offerings of their favorite foods, and prized possessions. Some of these items include tequila, books and candy. The altars are on display until Nov. 2.
The Civil Rights Heritage Center will house a vocal performance, two ballet performances, and a mariachi band, as well as children’s activities and pan de muerto (a sweet pastry) with hot chocolate and champurrado (Mexican hot chocolate).
Día de los Muertos means Day of the Dead in Spanish. Día de los Muertos is a Mexican tradition that originated in the Oaxaca region nearly 3,000 years ago.
Día de los Muertos is meant to celebrate life. It is a belief that, during the days of Nov. 1 and Nov. 2, the souls of those who have passed can crossover and spend time with the living.
Notre Dame has been doing celebrations for Día de los Muertos for 16 years now.
