Day of the Dead ‘Ofrenditas’ with OLA

The UW-Green Bay student group, Organization Latino Americana (OLA), will once again be hosting an event in celebration of Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Día de los Muertos is a celebration that originated in Mexico and Central America and is observed to honor and help support the spiritual journey of friends and family who have died.

All are welcome to stop by the UW-Green Bay University Union room 125 on Thurs., November 1 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. to learn from OLA students about various traditions and rituals that occur during Dia de los Muertos and their cultural importance.

Visitors can participate in activities that include creating ofrenditas and painting sugar skulls.

Ofrendas or offerings are altars which people set up for Dia de los Muertos to welcome back the souls of loved ones who have passed on. “They usually incorporate things such as skulls, marigolds, purple fabrics and candles,” explains OLA member Amber Perez. “People who attend will be able to make their own ofrenditas (small ofrendas) while supplies lasts.”

Guests are also invited to paint sugar skulls (literally made from sugar) to take home as decorations. OLA will display examples of decorated sugar skulls. Attendees will be able to decorate their own sugar skull however they would like.

This event is open to the public.