‘Journeying for Peace and Justice’ Was Theme of Día de los Muertos at DU

Dominican University marked Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with reflection and celebration as blessings of three student-created ofrendas took place on campus.

On Oct. 31, a mariachi band and University Ministry led a procession of roughly 100 students, staff and faculty from Parmer Hall Atrium to Rebecca Crown Library to the second floor of Lewis Hall. At each location, the ofrenda (altar) was blessed with water, reflections were recited, and prayers were said. A gathering with food and music followed.

A total of seven ofrendas were created on campus this year around the theme, “Hacia Nuevos Horizontes: Journeying for Peace & Justice.” 

“In the midst of much armed conflict and war around our globe, it’s really a time for us to think about ways we are all called to live our Dominican mission of creating a more just and humane society, and the ways in which we will pray and work for peace in local communities and countries around the world,” said Andrew Mercado, Director of University Ministry.

With the inclusion of the Black Student Union, who created the ofrenda in Crown Library, and the participation of students from other backgrounds as well, Dominican’s Día de los Muertos event demonstrates how the university marks cultural celebrations with an intercultural approach, Mercado noted.