Dia de los Muertos 2024 in Photos

The traditional procession of Aztec dancers and drummers that starts at Sierra Hall ends on the lawn outside Chicano House. (Sonia Gurrola/CSUN)

Remembering loved ones: Flowers and fruit, “for sweetness” are placed on the large community ofrenda (altar) on the lawn outside Chicano House. (Sonia Gurrola/CSUN)

Candles illuminate Chicano House and the ofrendas created for loved ones who have passed. (Sonia Gurrola/CSUN)

Attendees admire items on display at Chicano House. (Sonia Gurrola/CSUN)

Items displayed inside Chicano House. (Sonia Gurrola/CSUN)

A community ofrenda was set up inside the art galleries and decorated with hand-drawn portraits. (Sonia Gurrola/CSUN)

A vendor smiles for the camera on the lawn outside Chicano House. Many vendors sold items themed for Dia de los Muertos. (Sonia Gurrola/CSUN)

Craft tables set up on the lawn outside Chicano House provide a welcome space for people to show their artistic flare. (Sonia Gurrola/CSUN)

There were some new additions this year to the beloved campus celebrations for Dia de los Muertos. In addition to the traditional procession of Aztec dancers and drummers and the candelit ofrendas on display on Friday, Nov. 1, participants were also able to enjoy food and craft vendors and arts and crafts demonstrations.

Campus groups set up elaborate ofrendas, or altars, dedicated to loved ones who have passed, inside Chicano House, where a variety of artwork was also displayed. The Chicana/o Studies Department, along with the student group, M.E.Ch. A (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicane de Aztlán – La Unión Hace la Fuerza), are among the organizers of this event. M.E.Ch.A members chose the theme Miccaihuitl, which they say highlights the ancient roots of the celebration.

This year, faculty, staff and students with CSUN’s Department of Art and Design and the Art Galleries also participated in the evening festivities. The galleries stayed open later so that people could enjoy the community ofrenda and gallery exhibitions “Seeing and Being Seen” and “Before You Now: Capturing the Self in Portraiture.” Check out more of this year’s event, in photos.