In 2022, the centralization of Michigan State University’s Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, recognition was organized by Amanda Flores and Florensio Hernandez. It is thanks to staff like Flores and Hernandez that colleges, departments, student organizations and more have united across campus to celebrate Dia de los Muertos.

Traditionally celebrated on Nov. 1 and 2 throughout Latin America, Dia de los Muertos is dedicated to honoring loved ones who have departed and reuniting them with the living. Home altars are built featuring ofrendas, or offerings, such as the favorite food and beverages of the departed, marigold flowers, sugar skulls and more. Families use marigolds to attract souls to the altar and make papel picado, or paper cutouts, that represent the movement of the visiting souls of loved ones. Dia de los Muertos is a time for families to celebrate, honor and share a meal with their departed loved ones. In places where it is traditionally celebrated, the holiday is full of festivities and spreads to the streets with parades, dances and other forms of celebration.

A key event during this year’s Day of the Dead celebrations is the International Engagement Volunteers, or IEV, student organization’s Candles and Calacas 5K Fun Run/Walk fundraiser. IEV organizes a variety of fundraisers throughout the year dedicated to supporting and improving the lives of disadvantaged communities in Mexico through the International Engagement in Mexico, or IEM, education abroad program held each spring break.

Across campus, unique altars are popping up in preparation for Dia de los Muertos. From the College of Veterinary Medicine’s ofrenda dedicated to beloved pets to the College of Education’s ofrenda honoring departed educators and mentors, each location features a unique altar with its own story to tell.

Campus ofrenda locations

This list will be updated as locations are added.

Migrant Student Services

Holden Hall, Room C249

This location hosts two different altars, one by Migrant Student Services and the other by MSU Dining. The ofrenda constructed by Migrant Student Services is dedicated to migrant farmworkers. The ofrenda constructed by MSU Dining is dedicated to all the women who are traditional Mexican cooks, “those who never called themselves chefs, but they built an entire culture through their recipes.”

Chicano/Latino Studies

Kedzie Hall, Room 200

Chicano/Latino Studies is hosting a community ofrenda inviting the public to contribute pictures in honor and remembrance of pets that have departed.

Broad College of Business

Eppley Center, next to Minskoff Pavilion

This ofrenda is hosted by the Broad College of Business and Multicultural Business Programs.

College of Communication Arts and Sciences

Communication Arts and Sciences Building

The College of Arts and Sciences ofrenda features colorful papel picado and inspired craft decorations.

College of Education

Erickson Hall, Room 133F

Hosted by the College of Education, this community ofrenda features departed educators and mentors, to which anyone can add a picture.

College of Engineering

Engineering Building, Lobby

The College of Engineering is hosting an ofrenda in the Engineering Building Lobby.

College of Law and Latinos Unidos Law Student Association

College of Law, First Floor Lobby

The College of Law and student organization Latinos Unidos Law Student Association, or LULSA, is hosting a community altar where participants can add a picture in honor and remembrance of a loved one.

College of Music

Music Building, Billman Pavilion Lobby

The College of Music is hosting a community ofrenda in the Music Building’s Billman Pavilion Lobby.

College of Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary Medical Center, Front Entrance

The MSU College of Veterinary Medicine and students from the Latinx Veterinary Medical Association are hosting a community ofrenda where CVM students, faculty and doctors can add a picture of a departed pet they wish to remember and honor.

Counseling and Psychiatric Services

Olin Health Center, Third Floor

A community ofrenda hosted by Counseling and Psychiatric Services will not be open to the public to protect the confidentiality of students entering CAPS but will be accessible to those visiting for services.

Department of Kinesiology

IM Circle, Lobby

The Department of Kinesiology has an ofrenda, as part of the College of Education.

Graduate School

Chittenden Hall, Room 110

The MSU Graduate School hosts this location, featuring a community ofrenda where anyone can add a picture in honor and remembrance of a loved one.

Honors College

Campbell Hall, Room 115

The Honors College provided materials and decorations for a community ofrenda.

MOSAIC Center

MSU Union, Second Floor

This ofrenda is hosted by the MOSAIC Center, among others.

Office for Education Abroad

Wilson Hall, Wilson Essex Room

This community ofrenda is hosted by Wilson Hall and Education Abroad Programs.

Office for Inclusive Excellence and Impact

Olds Hall, Room 113

The Office for Inclusive Excellence and Impact is featuring an ofrenda honoring activists who have impacted IEI staff members.

Office of Multicultural Enrichment and Advocacy

Multicultural Center, Living Room

This community ofrenda is hosted by the Office of Multicultural Enrichment and Advocacy, or OMEA.

Student Services Building

Gender and Sexuality Campus Center, Room 302

The Gender and Sexuality Campus Center is hosting a community ofrenda honoring transgender and gender nonconforming Latines lost to violence in the past year.

Dia de los Muertos events at MSU

All events are listed in Eastern Time.

Monday, Oct. 27

12:15 p.m. — Dia de los Muertos Kickoff with LULSA

MSU College of Law, Student Lounge Area

5 p.m. — Raices y Recuerdos: Ofrenda Frame-making

Multicultural Center

6 p.m. — Dia de los Muertos with MOSAIC: Painting, papel picado and more

Campbell Hall, Room 115

Wednesday, Oct. 29

12:15 p.m. — Dia de los Muertos Lunch and Crafts

College of Law, Room 472

6 p.m. — Sugar Skull Decorating

Wilson Hall, Essex Room

6 p.m. — Dia de los Muertos Workshop with Mujer-a-Mujer

Holden Kedzie Hall, Room C131

Thursday, Oct. 30

12 p.m. — Dia de los Muertos Celebration with OMEA

Multicultural Center, Living Room

12 p.m. - Decorate and enjoy delicious concha sweet bread with ComArtSci

Communication Arts and Sciences Building

2 p.m. — Sugar Skull Decorating with College of Engineering

College of Engineering, Lobby

5 p.m. — Dia de los Muertos Experiential Dinner

Sparty’s Market, Holden Hall

Friday, Oct. 31

11 a.m. — Dia de los Muertos Decorations, Pan Dulce and Hot Chocolate

Holden Hall, C249

Sunday, Nov. 2

Noon — Candles and Calacas 5K Fun Run/Walk

Hubbard/Akers Courtyard

5:30 p.m. — Dia de los Muertos with Culturas de las Razas Unidas and the University Activities Board

MSU Union, Ballroom

Thursday, Nov. 6

6 p.m. — Sugar Skull Decoration with Interfaith Dialogue

MSU Union, MOSAIC Center for Education and Outreach

Thursday, Nov. 6

4:30 - 6 p.m. — Sugar Skull Craft Night

MSU Union, 2nd Floor, MOSAIC, Multipurpose Room