BOONE, N.C. — The Appalachian State University Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures honored the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) tradition by creating a beautiful ofrenda (altar) in L.S. Dougherty Hall. This is the third year that faculty members in the Spanish and Hispanic Studies program have offered this hands-on cultural experience to students.
Dr. Yunuen Gomez-Ocampo, Dr. Karola Rico García and Anneliese Thomae Elías began by explaining the tradition to students. Following a discussion, the instructors and students worked together to assemble the ofrenda. The class then shared pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and arroz con leche (rice pudding) around the completed ofrenda, fostering a powerful sense of community and providing a space for students to reflect on the Día de los Muertos tradition.
The collaborative effort aimed to teach not only the vocabulary of the holiday but the profound meaning behind each ofrenda element.
Dr. Yunuen Gomez-Ocampo and students assemble an ofrenda (altar) in L.S. Dougherty Hall for Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Photo submitted by Dr. Karola Rico García
Día de los Muertos is a syncretized holiday celebrated in Mexico on November 1 and 2 to honor those who have passed away. This tradition blends ancient Indigenous traditions with Catholic beliefs. It coincides with the Catholic holidays All Souls' and All Saints' Day, but Indigenous peoples combined this with their own ancient beliefs of honoring their deceased loved ones.
Creating an ofrenda is part of this tradition. People set up ofrendas in homes, cemeteries, workplaces and other public spaces to welcome visiting spirits. It is believed that the deceased loved ones return to visit the ofrendas and the family and friends who set them up. It has become a tradition to honor lost pets on October 27, marking the beginning of the Day of the Dead celebrations. On this day, people create an ofrenda for their pets, often including their pet's favorite treats and toys, along with a portrait.
The completed ofrenda (altar), created by instructors and students in the Spanish and Hispanic Studies program for Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Photo submitted by Dr. Karola Rico García
For those interested in learning more about the tradition, Dr. Rico García shared some elements commonly found in an ofrenda:
Pictures of the departed.
A mirror reflecting the deceased's image is placed next to their picture to help them recognize their ofrenda.
The departed's favorite food and drinks, and mementos, their favorite possessions or personal items.
A glass of water to quench the spirits' thirst after their long journey.
Candles to light the path for the spirits to find the way home and represent the element of fire.
Copal incense and salt to purify the space and guide the spirits.
Flor de Cempasúchil (Marigold flowers): These bright orange flowers have a unique aromatic scent, and people believe that they guide the spirits to the ofrenda.
Pan de muerto (bread of the dead): A sweet bread that represents the deceased, often decorated with bone-shaped pieces.
Papel picado (perforated paper): The paper represents the element of wind.
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About the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures
The Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures offers courses that enhance students’ understanding of other cultures and languages as well as their own, making them prepared for lifelong learning in a multicultural world. Learn more at dllc.appstate.edu.
Written by Dr. Karola Rico García
Edited by Lauren Gibbs
November 7, 2025
BOONE, N.C.
An ofrenda (altar) created by instructors and students in the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures. Photo submitted by Dr. Karola Rico García
An ofrenda (altar) created by instructors and students in the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures. Photo submitted by Dr. Karola Rico García