Monday, October 31, 2011

Students at the University of North Carolina Wilmington will celebrate the Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, with traditional decorations, vivid colors, candles, skeleton face painting and a customary altar to honor passed loved ones 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday, Oct. 31. Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday focused on gathering family and friends to remember loved ones who have died. Media are encouraged to cover the colorful activities by request.

Though traditionally recognized Nov. 1-2, students of Centro Hispano, UNC Wilmington's Hispanic cultural and resource center, will be offering free Dia de los Muertos skeleton face paintings today in conjunction with Halloween.

The altar was set up on Friday and will be available for students, faculty and staff who want show their appreciation for loved ones through Wednesday, Nov. 2. In Mexico, it is customary for visitors to bring photos, notes, cards and flowers to altars to show their respect.

For more information on Centro Hispano or Dia de los Muertos, visit http://uncw.edu/centrohispano/index.html.

Media Contact:
Joy Davis, UNCW media relations, 910.632.3903 or davisjc@uncw.edu