Día de los Muertos
A Day of Remembrance and Celebration
Join the Regis University community as we host events in honor of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).
We celebrate one of the most ancient feasts in the cultural life of Mexico: Día de los Muertos. The indigenous peoples of Mexico dedicate a tremendous amount of time and energy preparing for this tradition, celebrating the faithful departed as they visit or return to our dimension here on earth. Entire communities take part, and many begin preparations on Oct. 28. This feast has aesthetic vitality and a gravitational pull to bring together families and communities, centering around celebrating memories and enhancing familial bonds. Carlos Pellicer, a Mexican poet, describes in The Garden of Fire:
"The day of the dead and all its rituals are a celebration of life ...
During the night of November 1st, the cemetery is an impressive place. the flowers over the tombstones are many. But the lit candles over them are even more ... All the cemetery, during that night, is a grand garden of fire. The murmur of the prayers and litanies gives warmth to the cold wind. At midnight we have to eat and drink. And we drink hard, because the memories call for it. Walking I stumbled upon a recent tomb. They were finishing praying the rosary. I joined the group and I responded to the litany. When I heard: "consoler of the afflicted" I looked up at the sky, and life hurt, and I gave thanks for being alive."
Want to learn more about Dia de los Muertos?
Mark your calendar for the following events:
Oct. 24, 2024
5-7 p.m. | Student Center 216
Join SOMOS and 1Leads as they make Altar kits that will be used to decorate the different altars displayed around campus.
Oct. 28-31, 2024
Northwest Denver Campus
View Altars created by Regis and Denver Public Schools students and displayed in the following locations:
- Coors Center
- David M. Clarke Hall, main entrance
- Felix Pomponio Family Science Center, Second floor
- Loyola Hall
- Student Center
- St. Peter Claver, S.J. Hall, first and third floors
- St. John Francis Regis Chapel
Nov. 1, 2024
4-6 p.m. | Student Center Patio
A celebration of Día de los Muertos for our Regis students, faculty, staff, and our local community. Join us for music, food and a good time. Featuring Mariachi Regional de México, a culturally significant craft with artist Mamibel (Maribel Arrendondo) and more! Come dressed up to celebrate this vibrant and significant holiday!
Celebration made possible by BMO.
Nov. 1, 2024
Northwest Denver Campus
Regis will welcome approximately 150 students from Denver area high schools to celebrate Día de los Muertos. The students will display their mini-Altares on the second floor of Main Hall. During their full-day visit, they will experience a campus tour, enjoy lunch and participate in campus activities.
Nov. 1, 2024
6:15 p.m. | St. John Francis Regis Chapel
Join us for the celebratory Mass of Día de los Muertos.
Visiting High Schools
- Abraham Lincoln High School
- Arrupe High School
- Kennedy High School
- North High School
- South High School
- Stead School (Commerce City)
- West High School
