Dia de Los Muertos: A Celebration of the Dead

On November 2, Latinos Unidos, a Latino student affinity group, hosted a sugar-skull-making exploration in celebration of Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Similar to various other traditional LatinX events, individuals celebrate the achievements of their loved ones through vibrant colors and festive activities. 

Anthony Sapp ’25, Co-President of Latinos Unidos, describes the Day of the Dead as one that puts emphasis on “the celebration rather than the mourning of the dead.” He remarks that “unlike many traditions where individuals grieve by wearing all black, the LatinX community brings up the ones who passed away through a more positive and less solemn custom.” Indeed, during the event, individuals often place marigold flowers called cempasuchitl (also known as flor de muerto), candles, bread, and the most cherished items of their deceased loved ones on an altar. “These marigold flowers act as guides for the returning spirits,” Sapp continued, “and the special items are reminders that our loved ones are standing by our sides.” In addition, the food served on the altar, including pan de muertos, are gifts to the dead who are traveling to the natural world. All in all, he describes these items as invitations for spirits to rest in one’s household and reconvene with the living. “Not all spirits are good, however,” Sapp added, “and that’s why we also put salt on the altars—to dispel malicious spirits.” In itself, the Day of the Dead “puts away the stigma and fear of death,” Sapp explained. “Death is a natural thing,” he added, “This day celebrates individuals who are beginning another stage of their life as they embark towards a new world: the afterlife.” 

Likewise, Miranda De Olden ’26, Co-President alongside Sapp, shared her co-leader’s sentiments. “In some ways, the Day of the Dead is like a festival,” she said. “Bright and popping colors are always significant to Latin American cultures,” she elaborated, “and the Day of the Dead is an epitome of vibrant colors.” In addition to the wide array of colors, the sugar-skull-making activity also brings out a sense of comfort in death. As De Olden puts it, “the sugar skulls are a representation of death, and the sugar symbolizes the sweetness of it.” Indeed, the Day of the Dead helps many find assurance in the fates of their loved ones as well as themselves. 

To prepare for the celebration, the Latinos Unidos members began by making an ofrenda, Spanish for an offering commonly placed in a home altar, in the Bunn Library with support from staff. They decorated the McGraw Reading Room with colorful mats, skulls, and flowers and offered food and Mexican hot chocolate. To make the event more authentic, the group invited Veronica Olivares, a leader in the LatinX community at Princeton, to help facilitate the workshop. In addition, the club encouraged the Lawrenceville community at large to submit photos of their loved ones. While De Olden notes that celebration of the Day of the Dead will always be more intimate and genuine at home, since “you know all the people who you are celebrating,” she explained that celebrating the day at school was “helpful by bringing the community together.” 

 Sapp echoes her beliefs. “Given the low [numbers of] LatinX [students] at the School,” he explained, “it’s important for those who belong to the community to recognize that they are seen.” In addition, he noted the importance of “creating a feeling of home” for those unable to celebrate the Day of the Dead with their families. “Moving forward, I hope to continue bringing the LatinX community together and celebrate our diverse cultures,” Sapp stated.

For leaders of Latinos Unidos, the Day of the Dead celebration is just the beginning of many more community events to come as they continue to help students with LatinX backgrounds find belonging on campus.