LA OFRENDA
Co-Sponsors
The ofrenda, Spanish for “offering,” is an altar decorated for Día de los Muertos celebration to honor and please the returning souls. The altar is decorated with pictures, candles, toys, and food such as tamales and candies as an offering to the returning souls. These are all things that the souls enjoyed in their earthly existence.
El Centro: Chicanx Latinx Resource Center and the Quarry Amphitheater welcomes you to
Día de Los Muertos Ceremonia
PAPEL PICADO Tissue-paper banners with cutout designs of animated skeleton figures adorn altars and homes during el Día de los Muertos.
CEMPASÚCHIL The cempasúchil(marigold) was the symbolic flower of death to the Aztecs. Perhaps this association was made because it dies very quickly once the marigold is cut. For this reason, flowers on the ofrenda refer to the earth and the regenerative forces of nature. Marigold petals are strewn to create a symbolic pathway leading souls to the ofrenda. It is said that the combined fragrance of the zempasuchil, copal, and candles has the smell of bone.
VELAS Candles, besides their religious symbolism, are placed on the ofrenda to light and guide the way of the souls to the altar.
INCIENSO O COPAL Copal (Incense) is burned on grave sites and the ofrenda. Its perfumed smoke surrounds the altar and grave, providing a welcoming atmosphere. The transformation of earth matter- Copal (tree resin) into something ethereal (smoke) is a symbolic transformation of the physical to the supernatural, which is associated with the death of the returning soul.
PAN DE MUERTO Pan de Muertos is a sweet bread flavored with anise, orange peel, and orange glaze specially made to be placed on ofrendas and graves. More traditional loaves are round with a central raised knob of dough, representing the skull, and crossed bone-shaped decorations radiating from the central knob.
UN VASO DE AGUA To quench the thirst of the returning souls after their long journey, a glass of water is placed on the ofrenda. This emphasizes the fact that water is the main support of life.
Gracias to all of the students, volunteers, and workers who made this event possible. Special thank you to our co-sponsors!
Saturday, November 2, 2024 6:30pm-8:30pm UCSC Quarry Amphitheater