Honoring Día de los Muertos
A message from: Lorenley Báez, Associate Provost for Equity & Belonging
Office of Equity and Belonging
Dear Students,
Today, November 1, 2024, through Saturday, November 2, 2024, The New School celebrates and honors Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. This holiday is an opportunity to celebrate both death and life. It is unlike any other holiday honoring the dead, where mourning is exchanged for celebration. The Day of the Dead reframes death as being a natural part of life.
With origins dating back more than 3,000 years, this holiday is very popular in Mexico but is celebrated worldwide. Many religions observe All Souls’ Day (also known as All Saints’ Day) around the same time as Día de los Muertos. However, Día de los Muertos is unique in its traditions—such as the ofrenda (offering), its perspective on life and death, the use of calaveras (skulls), the influence of La Catrina, and, more recently, vibrant street festivals.
I look forward to celebrating and honoring this holiday with you!