Día de los Muertos Ofrenda

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2 across Latin America and those living in diaspora. On these days, loved ones who have departed are honored, and reunite with the living. Home altars are built featuring ofrendas, or offerings, and include the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, marigold flowers, sugar skulls, and more. The gentle flow of papel picado, or paper cutouts, reveals the movement of the visiting souls of 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 celebrations.

The altar presented at the MSU Broad Art Museum was designed in partnership with Elias Lopez, director of MSU Farmworkers Student Affairs; MSU students; and the Mexican Consulate in Detroit and is part of a wider constellation of altars across campus.

On view October 28–November 2, 2026. Please join us for a Día de los Muertos Community Mixer on Monday, Nov. 2, from 5–8pm. Learn more >