Honor the dead with Día de los Muertos Ofrenda, a Day of the Dead altar piece, at Duke Chapel. Visitors are invited 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.

In its second year, the Ofrenda is brought to the Chapel as part of their mission to bridge faith and learning, in collaboration with Say the Thing, fostering cultural understanding and togetherness. This Ofrenda was first exhibited at the Rubenstein Arts Center in 2023 and features large colorfully painted calaveras (skulls), one of the most prominent symbols of Día de los Muertos. In addition to the calaveras, which were created by artists from the Inter-Latin American Artist Collective (ILAAC), you will find cempaxochitl (marigolds), papel picado (cut paper), and alebrijes (mythical creatures) painted on rocks. These elements of the ofrenda will be made in Duke Arts Create workshops this October.

In relocating to Duke Chapel, this year’s Ofrenda deepens its ties to the holiday’s religious roots and invites participants to explore how different cultures and religions honor the dead. Visit the Ofrenda on your own or join us for special events leading up to Día de los Muertos on November 1^st and 2^nd. Your participation will help weave a tapestry of memories and stories that transcend time and honor the enduring significance of this cherished tradition.

The Día de los Muertos Ofrenda at Duke University is presented by Duke Arts in collaboration with Duke Chapel and Say the Thing, a project from the Chapel and the Kenan Institute for Ethics. Support has been provided by student groups Mi Gente and Duke MASA (Mexican American Student Alliance) and The Duke Endowment.