Professor Inés Corujo Martín of the Humanities department and City Tech’s Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Committee, working with local Mexican artist Daniel Valle (@danielvalleart), has mounted another vibrant exhibit in the library’s display cases. This time, in celebration of Día de los Muertos.
Daniel Valle is a multidisciplinary and self-taught artist. Originally from Mexico, he has spent most of his life in New York City. Daniel seeks to communicate the history and values of Mexican culture through his authentic creations.
What is Día de los Muertos?
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a holiday celebrated in Mexico and other Latin American countries, including Guatemala and Ecuador, to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away. It is observed every year on November 1st and 2nd. The roots of Día de los Muertos trace back to Indigenous traditions, particularly those of the Aztec and Mayan civilizations, which viewed death as a natural part of the life cycle. Unlike Halloween, Día de los Muertos is a colorful, vibrant celebration that sees death as a joyful part of life, reuniting the living and dead.
Ofrendas (altars)
A traditional altar set up is usually decorated with pan de muerto, candles, cempasúchil, photos of the deceased, calaveras, personal items, and favorite foods. The ofrenda is both a tribute and a way for families to feel connected to their loved ones, blending indigenous traditions with Catholic influences.
In Mexico, parades are held in the streets with music and dancing. People attend festivals decorated with papel picado (intricate paper cut) and cempasúchil (marigolds). Families make ofrendas (altars) dedicated to the deceased that include papel picado, cempasúchil, pan de muerto (bread), sugar skulls, fruit, beverages, candles, photographs, and other items.
The HSI committee and Daniel invite students of Hispanic heritage to submit images of your ofrendas (altars). using the QR code on the flyer below. Or by clicking here.
A selection of related titles from our collection:
Hispanic American religious cultures
Our America : the Latino presence in American art
*Thank you to Professor Inés Corujo Martín for her contributions to this post.
