UCO’s Hispanic American Student Association to Celebrate Dia de los Muertos, Oct. 30

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Hispanic American Student Association (HASA) will host its annual Dia de los Muertos celebration from 6-9 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 30, in Plunkett Park on Central’s campus, weather permitting. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public.

Dia de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, is traditionally observed Oct. 31 through Nov. 2, throughout Mexico and in parts of the United States. The holiday is a time of celebration to remember friends and family members who have died by welcoming their spirits back to the world of the living for a joyful reunion. 

Those who celebrate Dia de los Muertos build altars using photos of their loved ones to honor them, candles to guide their spirits back and marigolds to attract their souls with the scent. Sugar skulls are used to symbolize the cycle of life and death. HASA will have its own community altar and invite attendees to bring a picture of their loved ones.

“Dia de los Muertos at UCO is more than a celebration; it’s a meaningful space for cultural expression and visibility,” said Marissa Angeles, president of HASA at UCO.

“This year, our community altar will allow both the Broncho and Edmond communities to honor their loved ones together by sharing photos and memories.”

The UCO HASA event will feature performances by Mariachi Orgullo de América and Yúmare Folkloric Dancers Inc., a photo booth, arts and crafts for children, and pan dulce paired with rich Mexican hot chocolate.

In the event of inclement weather, the event will be in the Nigh University Center Ballrooms on Central’s campus.

For more information, contact the UCO Office of Student Engagement at se@uco.edu or call 405-471-3456.

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Devan Wielgos

Communications and Marketing Coordinator, UCO University Communications

• dwielgos@uco.edu
• 405-974-2127

• www.uco.edu