The department of modern and classical languages is co-hosting the annual Day of the Dead Festival with La Barraca Spanish club on Wednesday, Nov. 2 — and you’re invited! Come celebrate one of the most beloved Hispanic holidays with traditional Catrina/Catrín face painting, sugar skull decorating, papel picado art, poetry and traditional Day of the Dead desserts. Admission is free and open to the public.

Festival Schedule

The tradition of papel picado

9 – 10 a.m.
Siceluff 222

Papel picado is a decorative paper cutting folk art from Mexico. During this session, the participants will make their own papel picado by drawing inspiration from traditional techniques and motives.

Turn yourself into Catrina/Catrin

10:10 – 11:10 a.m.
Siceluff Library

Get your face painted as a Catrina (or Catrín, the male version), the traditional elegant skull first created by printmaker José Guadalupe Posada. Come learn about Posada’s work and influence in the Día de Muertos.

Calaveras de Azúcar

11:15 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.
Siceluff 222

During Día de Muertos in Mexico, the living make offerings of sugar skulls (calaveras de azúcar) to welcome and commemorate their deceased relatives’ souls. You will participate in this ancient tradition to celebrate the sweetness of life while honoring the spirits of the dead.

“Calaveritas” satirical poetry competition (I)

12:20 – 1:15 p.m.
Siceluff Library

Calaveras literally means “skulls.” Calaveritas are also short poems recited for Día de Muertos in Mexico. These satirical poems poke fun at people in a way that suggests they are dead, even though they’re still alive. Often times, the poems satirize politicians and other people in power.

The meaning of the altar: Decoding its elements

1:25 – 1:40 p.m.
Siceluff Library

Throughout this presentation, you will learn about one of the most important elements of Día de Muertos — the altar, an elaborate construction to celebrate family members who have left the mortal world.

Pan de muerto and chocolatada

1:40 – 2:15 p.m.
Siceluff Library

Enjoy free Pan de Muerto — or “dead bread,” a traditional holiday dessert — as well as some hot chocolate!

“Calaveritas” satirical poetry competition (II)

2:30 – 3 p.m.
Siceluff Library

Calaveras literally means “skulls.” Calaveritas are also short poems recited for Día de Muertos in Mexico. These satirical poems poke fun at people in a way that suggests they are dead, even though they’re still alive. Often times, the poems satirize politicians and other people in power.

Catrina and Catrín Costume Competition

3 – 3:30 p.m.
Siceluff Library

Dress and paint yourself as a Catrina or Catrín, with a great prize for the winner! You can also have your picture taken with our Día de Muertos photo booth and props.