Día de los Muertos is a celebration that captures the idea of unity between life and death. It is a synthesis of the indigenous Mesoamerican and the Spanish conquistador traditions. El Día de los Muertos means remembering loved ones and establishing a sense of personal history in traditional ways. Due to Spanish colonizers, the rituals related to death and celebrating the ancestors were moved to coincide with the Catholic holidays of All Saints Day (November 1st) and All Souls Day (November 2nd). Día de los Muertos retains various elements carried over from Indigenous celebrations still practiced today worldwide.

Throughout the holiday, there are processions of sugar calaveras (skulls), papel picado (cut paper), Pan de Muertos, cempazuchitl (marigolds), and celosia or cresta del gallo (rooster comb). 

Día De Los Muertos at UC Santa Cruz is a collaborative community effort made up of on-campus and off-campus organizations, including El Centro, the Quarry Amphitheater, and the the College Nine and John R. Lewis College CoCurricular Programs Office ("The CoCo"), and many student organizations and leaders. 

Our Día de los Muertos Ceremonia is a space to collectively honor and celebrate the lives of our loved ones. Join us for a night of danza, prayer, food, music, and community. This cultural and family event is FREE and open to all! 

SAVE THE DATE: November 2, 2025