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A rich and colorful tradition with roots in ancient Mesoamerican cultures and Catholic practices. Celebrated primarily on November 1 and 2, this holiday is not a time of mourning but one of joyful remembrance, when families come together to honor their loved ones who have passed on.
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a vibrant and meaningful tradition celebrated throughout Latin America, particularly in Mexico. This holiday, which takes place on November 1st and 2nd, honors the lives of those who have passed, welcoming their spirits back to the world of the living for a joyful reunion filled with food, music, and offerings.
At the heart of the celebration is the ofrenda, or altar, which is lovingly created to guide and honor the spirits of departed loved ones. Our exhibit features an ofrenda adorned with photographs, marigolds, and small mementos to invite the spirits of the deceased to return and be remembered. Each element of the ofrenda serves a purpose, representing the natural elements that help guide the spirits on their journey:
The ofrenda is one of many Día de los Muertos traditions that remind us that death is not the end, but a natural part of life’s cycle, where memory and love endure.
A photo of a colorful ofrenda, an altar for Día de los Muertos. This ofrenda is the MCC community ofrenda, and it is set up in tiers, much like stair steps, and it is covered is vibrant, striped Mexican blankets. It features framed photos of community members' departed loved ones. The ofrenda is also decorated with vibrant orange marigold garlands, candles, and papel picado (which are decorative paper banners) in bright colors, symbolizing the elements of earth, fire, and wind. Potted plants, pumpkins, and decorative fabric add natural touches, while monarch butterflies are attached to the flowers. These butterflies represent the returning spirits of the departed, who are believed to return to the world of the living on on Día de los Muertos. Butterflies also appear on the marigold arch that appears above the ofrenda. The ofrenda is set in front of large windows, allowing sunlight to create a warm, reflective atmosphere honoring the departed.
This close-up image of the MCC community ofrenda displays its three tiers, each of which holds photos of community members' departed loved ones. The ofrenda is adorned with vibrant marigold flowers, arranged as both an arch above the altar and garlands that drape below the altar. These bright orange flowers are prominent throughout the display, as they are traditionally used to honor the dead. In addition, small candles are placed around the ofrenda, symbolizing the guiding light for spirits. Pumpkins and gourds are arranged near the photos as gifts for the spirits. Papel picado, which are paper banners intricately cut with decorative designs, hang below the altar in bright colors, including purple, green, yellow, blue, red, and green. Lush plants appear on the tiers as well, to add natural and decorative elements to the ofrenda.
The entire ofrenda was designed as a respectful homage to those who have passed, using a blend of symbols and decorations to honor their memory and invite their spirits back for a visit during the Día de los Muertos celebration.
This image shows a close-up section of the MCC community ofrenda. At the center of the display is a large, pale orange pumpkin, alongside a smaller deep orange pumpkin, and a white-striped gourd. Surrounding the pumpkins are various decorations, including framed photographs community members' departed loved ones. Each photo is set in colorful frames: a red frame shows a handsome young man in a suit and tie, a light pink frame shows an attractive couple holding a baby, a deep pink frame shows and image of a woman being crowned as the winner of a pageants, and a purple frame shows two happy, smiling women.
Behind the photos, a vibrant green potted plant has orange and black monarch butterflies attached, symbolizing returning spirits. The surface of the altar is draped with a green woven fabric with traditional patterns, enhancing the festive yet solemn mood of the ofrenda. An empty frame stands waiting for a photo, inviting more community members to honor their departed loved ones.
This image captures a detailed part of the MCC community ofrenda. The focus is on a framed photograph set in a red frame, depicting a young man dressed in a suit with a pink tie, standing near a chair and decorative china cabinet. Directly beside the photo is a small, vibrant orange pumpkin, and in the background, a larger, pale pumpkin appears.
Decorative elements include white and yellow-striped gourds and a small glass candle holder with a tall white candle are also arranged in the photo. The setting includes marigold flowers, which are traditional for these altars as they are believed to attract the spirits with their vibrant color and scent. The entire scene is set on a green woven fabric with traditional patterns, emphasizing the cultural significance of the display.
This image shows a decorative section of the MCC community ofrenda (Day of the Dead altar). It features potted plants, which are arranged on different levels and surrounded by traditional marigold flowers. The plants are adorned with orange and black monarch butterflies, symbolizing the spirits of the deceased.
At the top of the display, there is a dark green plant placed on a pedestal. The base of the plant pot is encircled with a garland of bright orange marigold flowers. Below this, on the table, sits another smaller potted plant with darker leaves. Next to it is a white and green-striped gourd, surrounded by more marigolds. To the right, there is another green potted plant. A tall white candle in a clear candleholder stands beside the plant. An empty photo frame appears in the foreground, inviting community members to add photos of their departed loved ones to the ofrenda. The backdrop of the altar is brightly lit by sunlight streaming through a nearby window, adding a warm, serene atmosphere to the display.
This image shows a section of the MCC community ofrenda. It features several framed photographs of community members' departed loved ones, along with traditional elements of an ofrenda. In the center, there is a large pale pumpkin, surrounded by a smaller orange pumpkins and two white-striped gourds. To the left of the pumpkin is a large potted green plant, decorated with orange and black monarch butterflies, which symbolize the spirits of the deceased.
In front of the pumpkin and plant are four framed photographs, each in a bright and colorful frame, adding vibrancy to the display. The leftmost frame is blue and contains a black-and-white photo of a smiling woman in glasses, who working at a desk. Next to it, a pink frame holds a picture of two women, one younger and one older, smiling and embracing. The orange frame in the middle contains a photo of a smiling woman with dark hair, while the pink frame on the right shows a senior man wearing a longhorns hat. A small dog is on his lap.
On either side of the altar are white candles in clear holders, placed as part of the remembrance. The surface of the altar is covered with a blue, striped fabric, adding a colorful base to the arrangement. The scene combines personal photos, seasonal elements like pumpkins, and symbolic decorations like butterflies and candles to create a warm, respectful homage to loved ones being remembered during Día de los Muertos.
This image shows a vibrant section of the MCC community ofrenda. At the center are potted plants, each decorated with marigold garlands and butterfly ornaments.
A taller plant at the back rests on a wooden stand, surrounded by a bright orange marigold garland. Monarch butterflies, symbolizing the spirits of the deceased, are perched on the plant and a marigold arch in the background.
To the left is a green-leafed plant with a butterfly attached, next to a white candle and a small decorative gourd. On the right is another plant with white and green-striped leaves in a pot encircled by marigolds. Two green picture frames at the front are empty, allowing community members to add photos of their loved ones.
The display feels serene and celebratory, with sunlight adding warmth to the scene and highlighting the decorations, creating a peaceful and inviting atmosphere.
This image shows a section of the MCC ofrenda featuring three framed photographs of loved ones. The photos are displayed on a vibrant, multicolored woven fabric, typical of traditional Mexican textiles.
On the left, in an orange frame, is a color photograph of a smiling woman. In the center, framed in red, is a photo of three people—two women and a man—posing together. The woman in the foreground wears glasses and a smile, the woman in the center wear a lavender shirt and a smile, and the man in the rear is giving a thumbs-up. On the right, in a light blue frame, is a black-and-white photograph of a man with a mustache, dressed in formal attire from an earlier time period.
Behind the photos, a tall white candle is visible, adding to the altar's solemn yet celebratory tone. Surrounding the frames are decorative marigold flowers and small gourds, traditional elements in Día de los Muertos displays.
This image shows a section of the MCC community ofrenda, featuring three framed photographs of loved ones, set on a brightly colored, striped Mexican textile.
On the left, in a pink frame, is a color photograph of a woman with red hair, who is smiling softly. In the center, a yellow frame holds a family photo of several people sitting closely together inside a vehicle. The group includes an older woman surrounded by two men and a child. The men are embracing the woman, creating a sense of togetherness. On the right, a red frame displays a classic black-and-white photograph of a man sitting outdoors, resting his arms on his knees, and looking directly at the camera.
The altar is decorated with marigold garlands, a traditional element in ofrendas. A small white and oragne gourd appears on the right side of the image.
This image shows a section of the MCC community ofrenda featuring two black-and-white photographs displayed in colorful frames. The altar is decorated with a brightly colored, striped Mexican textile in the background.
The photograph on the left, framed in green, depicts a man and a woman from an earlier time period standing outside on steps, dressed in formal attire. The image has a nostalgic, vintage feel, suggesting the individuals are ancestors.
The photograph on the right, framed in orange, is an older family portrait. It shows a woman and four children, all posed together in a formal setting. The photo has an oval border, typical of older family portraits, and exudes a sense of historical family heritage.
A white candle in a glass holder is placed between the two photos, with marigold flowers and green plants surrounding the display. The marigolds are traditional elements for Día de los Muertos and ofrendas. The overall presentation creates a warm, respectful tribute to the honored family members.
This image shows a section of the MCC community ofrenda and features two framed photographs against a brightly colored Mexican textile.
On the left, in a light blue frame, is a color photograph of a young man with bright red hair, smiling slightly. He is casually dressed in a dark blue t-shirt. To the right, in a green frame, is an older black-and-white photograph of an elderly couple standing outside. The man is dressed in casual clothes, wearing a cap, while the woman is in a long floral dress with a cardigan. They are standing side by side in front of bushes or trees, and the image conveys a vintage, historical feel.
Behind the photos, bright orange marigold flowers are visible, a traditional symbol on ofrendas. The colorful fabric and marigolds create a celebratory yet reverent atmosphere, honoring the individuals in the photographs.
This image shows a section of the MCC community ofrenda. It features two framed photographs, placed on a vibrant, multicolored Mexican textile. The background reveals a window with a view of the MCC grounds, and sunlight is softly filtering through.
On the left, in a bright yellow frame, is a colorized vintage photograph of a smiling woman. Her hairstyle and dress suggest the image is likely from the 1940s. To the right, in a purple frame, is a vintage black-and-white photograph of a couple, both wearing glasses. The man man and woman are both smiling. In the center of the display, a tall, unlit white candle in a glass holder adds a reflective and solemn element to the altar. A small orange pumpkin and green potted plant add natural elements to the display. Marigold garlands are visible behind the photos, and small string lights are delicately draped across the frames.
This image shows a section of the MCC community ofrenda and features two framed photographs placed on a colorful Mexican textile. The backdrop shows a view of the MCC grounds through a window and is softly lit by natural light.
On the left, in a blue frame, is a color photograph of an older man smiling warmly while sitting at a table. He wears casual attire and looks relaxed and happy. To the right, in a pink frame, is another color photograph of an older man with white hair. He is sitting outdoors, and he is also smiling. He appears content.
A tall, white candle in a glass holder stands between the two photos, symbolizing light and remembrance. String lights are draped gently across the frames and candle. On the left, a small orange pumpkin sits near a green, potted plant, while on the right, a yellow-striped gourd adds a natural elements to the altar. A marigold garland is visible in the background, adding a traditional element of Día de los Muertos. The overall arrangement is made up of bright colors, light, and symbolic elements.
This image shows a section the MCC community ofrenda with three photographs of young men in bright, colorful frames, displayed on a vibrant Mexican textile. On the left, in a yellow frame, is a professional portrait of one of the young men wearing a suit and tie and smiling warmly at the camera. A monarch butterfly ornament is attached to the corner of the frame, symbolizing the spirit of the deceased.
In the center, in an orange frame, is a photo of another young man, holding a small child in his arms. He is dressed casually in a sleeveless Tennessee-Volunteers football t-shirt, and the photo captures a loving moment between him and the child. Another monarch butterfly is attached to this frame.
On the right, in a purple frame, is a close-up photograph of the third young man, who has a friendly expression and a beard. A monarch butterfly adorns the lower corner of this frame as well, further emphasizing the symbolic nature of these butterflies in Día de los Muertos traditions. In the background, there is a tall white candle in a clear holder and a bright marigold garland.
This image of the MCC community ofrenda features a large green potted plant with trailing vines. The plant sits a tiered section of the ofrenda that is covered in a vibrant, multicolored Mexican textile. The scene is lit by natural light from a window in the rear that enhances the greenery.
In the foreground, there is a photograph displayed in a bright blue frame. The image shows a man who was standing in a classroom, dressed in a suit and tie, giving a presentation. A large map of the United States is visible behind him. His was captured during a moment of teaching.
To the right of the photo is a small, bright orange gourd. Several monarch butterflies, symbolic in Día de los Muertos traditions, are perched on the greenery and surrounding the photograph. The butterflies, along with the natural elements of the plants and pumpkins, represent the spirits of the deceased and the cycle of life. The overall display is warm and inviting.
