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
