Exhibit Overview
Each year, Alegra Lozano, assistant professor of practice in the Honors College offers an Honors Day of the Dead seminar class, which studies the long-practiced tradition of honoring the dead. The class culminates in a student-produced exhibit including a traditional altar, and other elements that are displayed at the ITC. This is the fifth year the class will be partnering with the ITC to make its project viewable to the public.
“El Dia de los Muertos” – The Day of the Dead – blends Christian and Indigenous Mexican beliefs and practices to honor deceased family members and friends. The celebration encompasses All Saints Day and All Souls Day, and its festive imagery has become visible in celebrations across the US and the world.
The Honors College Day of the Dead class has chosen the title “Recuerdos Eternos: A Journey Back Home” (Eternal Memories: A Journey Back Home) as the title of their exhibit. They will create this year’s ofrenda (altar) around that theme while incorporating traditional elements such as marigold flowers, salt, water, incense, pictures, personal tokens, and religious icons.
The public can follow the Honors College students’ progress in building their nichos and altar through their posts on TikTok (@Recuerdos.Eternos) and Instagram (@utsarecuerdos.eternos). They will share videos offering insights, FAQs, and other relevant materials.