History

Tradition

Art and Codices

Altars

Syncretism

The Day of the Dead or Día de los Muertos is the major and most elaborated festivity in Mexico today. The life and memory of the deceased is celebrated on November 1^st and November 2^nd which are respectively the day of All Saints and the day of All Souls. People visit their cemeteries in large numbers to celebrate and honor the lives of the deceased. Flowers are placed at the cemeteries, churches and the surrounding streets to guide the souls of the deceased. In their homes Mexicans built altars and place flowers, food and the favorite objects of the loved ones that passes away. They light candles, play music, and pray in a unique joyful mood.

Students from Palomar College, MiraCosta College and CSUSM volunteer  at the  Main Street Oceanside Días de los Muertos Festival (last year the event was visited by more than 50,000 patrons). Our students  performed a street theatre piece with a comparsa, built altars, organized  the interactive chalk cemetery and helped with other tasks in this event. We thank and praise our students for their involvement in community and cultural events.

Day of the Dead Festival  Oceanside 2008

Palomar College Exhibition 2008

8th Días de los Muertos Festival in Oceanside

Center for the Arts in Escondido

Day of the Dead Bibliography Palomar College Library

Visit our Ofrendas' Site

MCS dedicates this website to the outstanding work over the years of Alexis Ciurczak and José Rangel for our beautiful tradition at

Palomar College of the Día de los Muertos

Day of the Dead Bibliography from Palomar College Library

Palomar College Exhibition 2007