Carleton College will host its annual Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration in the Great Hall on Sunday, November 1 beginning at 5 p.m. This popular and colorful event is free and open to the public.
The celebration will feature performances by Northfield’s Mexican Folklorico and Kalpulli Ollin Ayacaxtli, a local dance group whose members range in age from middle school students to high school graduates. Additionally, Carleton students will share why this event is important to them, along with a presentation on the history of the holiday, and the decorating of a commemorative altar with memories of loved ones. The evening concludes with a dinner provided by El Triunfo restaurant.
Dia de Los Muertos is a holiday typically celebrated from October 31 to November 2 in many Latin American countries, especially Mexico. A common belief is that the spirits of the dead rise in this holiday. Many people use this belief to remember the lives of their loved ones and make fun of death itself. Common activities include music, feasts and decorating cemeteries. Many of the festivities date back to the Aztec era and the tradition is believed to have a mix of Pagan and Christian elements to it.
On the Carleton campus, Dia de Los Muertos is celebrated thanks to a collaborative effort between the Latin American Student Organization (LASO) and the Office of the Chaplain.
The Great Hall is located on College Street on the Carleton campus. For more information, including disability accommodations, contact the Office of the Chaplain at (507) 222 4003.
