Day of the Dead – Program Series

Altar-Building Workshop

Thursday, October 26 | 2pm–4pm
Dr. Maria Ramos, speaker

The tradition of altar-making (or Ofrenda) to honor deceased relatives or friends includes colorful displays of flowers, candles and other objects, as well as meaningful items that are significant to the connection with your special person. Bring framed copies of your loved ones' photos or any of their favorite replaceable items and learn how to make an altar to honor them in this workshop at the Lorenzo Cultural Center. Homemade Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead) will be supplied for the decoration of the altars.

You will be able to retrieve your items on collection day, Monday Nov. 6, from 10am–4pm.

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

Wednesday, November 1 | 1pm–2:30pm
Marlon Lara Porras, speaker

This presentation takes a detailed look back at the origins of Day of the Dead to the modern-day celebration. It begins with pre-Hispanic culture, followed by how the tradition evolved with the Spanish conquest and ending with the holiday we have today. It also contains information on how to build an ofrenda and the different types of ofrendas.

After the presentation, you are invited to help decorate the community ofrenda. Bring framed copies of your loved ones’ photos or any of their favorite replaceable items if you would like to join.

Celebrating Day of the Dead

Thursday, November 2 | 1pm–2pm
Gil Guevara, Artistas Latinx en Accíon Siempre

This presentation touches on the elements and details one can expect to see and experience on Day of the Dead Celebrations. The differences between celebrations within different Hispanic/Latino Communities will be covered and clarified. Join us for a wonderful presentation on the multifaceted perspectives of honoring Day of the Dead.

Detroit Institute of Arts Ofrendas Field Trip

Friday, November 3 | 9:30am–2pm

The DIA’s eleventh installment of Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos features 14 ofrendas, or offerings, by local artists and community members. Check-in begins at 9:30am at the Lorenzo Cultural Center with the bus leaving at 10am. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes, as there will be a lot of walking. General admission is always FREE for residents of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. Please bring your ID to confirm your free entry. If you are not a resident of one of these three counties, you will need to purchase your own entrance into the museum. General Admission tickets should be purchased ahead of time.

Death, Dying and The Afterlife in Mexican Literature

Saturday, November 4 | 12pm–1pm
Dr. Maria Ramos, speaker

Mexico has a complex, rich and ambivalent relationship with death, the meaning of dying and the afterlife that is essential to its identity and culture. The idea of death is constantly present in Mexican cinema, folklore, music, dance, art and literature. In this lecture, Dr. Ramos, will discuss how the texts and novels of three of the most important Mexican authors – Octavio Paz, Carlos Fuentes and Juan Rulfo – incorporate, play, and reflect on the significance of death. Dr. Ramos is a foreign language professor at Macomb Community College.

While these presentations are complimentary, preregistration is required.