'Day of the Dead' Altar Piece Invites Visitors to Honor the Deceased
Update: Watch a recording of the October 15 panel discussion on 'Tradición' Panel Discussion: The Faith, History, and Ritual of Día de los Muertos.
Honor the dead with Día de los Muertos Ofrenda, a Day of the Dead altar piece, at the Chapel from October 10 through November 7. Visitors are invited to view and to contribute to this sacred Mexican tradition by adding an offering in the form of photographs or objects that represent a departed loved one, or by adding a link to a paper chain that drapes over the Ofrenda. The Chapel's Video Booth, located next to the Ofrenda, will prompt visitors to record a memory of a deceased loved one. The Ofrenda is being presented by the Chapel, Duke Arts, and Say the Thing. Related programs include:
- Opening Night with Artist — Thursday, October 10, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- 'Tradición' Panel Discussion: The Faith, History, and Ritual of Día de los Muertos — Tuesday, October 15, at 6:30 p.m. in Duke Chapel
- Workshop on Papel Picado (Cut Paper) — Thursday, October 17, at 6:00 p.m. in Duke Chapel
- Workshop on Calavera Painting — Monday, October 21, at 6:00 p.m. in the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity in the Bryan Center
How to Contribute
All visitors to the Ofrenda are invited to contribute to this meaningful project by adding photographs and objects that are representative of a departed loved one.* Examples of objects could be paintings, letters, or handmade flowers. You may also write a loved one’s name and add it to a paper chain draped over the Ofrenda. Instructions and materials are available on site courtesy of Say the Thing, which has repurposed paper from discarded book covers contributed by Duke Libraries.
While a loved one’s favorite food is traditional to offer during Day of the Dead, we ask that you leave only non-perishable food items, and no liquids at all. We encourage you to substitute perishable foods for photos, drawings, labels or other creative alternatives.
*Please note that we are unable to return offerings to the original owner, so please do not leave anything valuable or irreplaceable.