A Vibrant Celebration of Life: Día de los Muertos in North Carolina
As November begins, communities across the world prepare to honor those who have passed during Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. This Mexican tradition, steeped in Indigenous and Spanish Catholic customs, is celebrated on November 1 and 2, offering a time for reflection and remembrance of departed loved ones, including family, friends, and even pets.
During this time, people construct ofrendas, which are altars adorned with photographs, candles, Cempasúchil (marigolds), favorite foods, water, and sweets of the deceased. These offerings act as a spiritual invitation for the souls to return and be celebrated for a day.
In Western North Carolina, Latino organizations are organizing events to keep this tradition alive and share it with a broader audience, as its popularity grows among Latinos in the United States. Reina Melendez, a senior at Western Carolina University and president of the Latin American Student Organization, began creating an ofrenda during her first year at college to honor her grandparents.
“My freshman year I was super homesick,” Melendez expressed. “When I started doing it, it felt comforting in a way that, even though I’m away from home, I know I still have others watching over me.” Her organization traditionally hosts an event in the University Center, but this year Melendez pushed for a more prominent location.
“The past years, I was like, ‘Why are we not sharing this with other people? Why are we not making it a bigger thing?’” Melendez said. “It’s a big part of our tradition and culture.” This year, the celebration has moved to the Catafount, a central spot on campus known for heavy foot traffic.
“I just wanted it where anyone from any culture that wants to celebrate someone that’s passed to come and put up their photo,” Melendez explained.
Here are some of the Día de los Muertos events taking place around the region:
Cempazúchil Flowers in Asheville
- Tierra Fertil Coop is selling cempazúchil flowers from 2 to 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31, at the El Porvenir Economic and Cultural Center, 17 Westside Drive, Asheville.
Ancestros, Cultura, y Sabores in Asheville
- Colaborativa La Milpa will host a community celebration from 5 to 11 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1, at the El Porvenir Cultural and Economic Center, 17 Westside Drive, Asheville.
Festival de Otoño in Swannanoa
- Bounty y Soul is hosting an event from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2, at 216 Whitson Ave.
