Celebrate Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead with the CSU Todos Santos Center Virtually

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a holiday in Mexico held annually on November 1st and 2nd to celebrate and honor our friends and families who have died. In this video series, which was released in October 2020, you will learn about:

  • Various elements and items used in an ofrenda (altar) to honor the dead
  • Importance of papel picado (cut paper flags) in the altar and how to create your own papel picado flags
  • Symbolism of food in the ofrenda (altar) and learn how to make Mexican buñuelos (fried sweet flatbread covered with syrup)
  • The final celebration with CSU Todos Santos staff as they honor their deceased friends and family

Throughout the video series, CSU Todos Santos staff will talk about and honor their family and friends who died. You will be able to find all the videos on this page or by subscribing to our YouTube channel.

Learn the basics about a Dia de los Muertos ofrenda (altar)

In this video, you will learn about the four different elements and 12 common items used in an altar as well as the history of the holiday. There also are interviews with two CSU Todos Santos staff about their family members who have died recently.

Dive deeper into a Dia de los Muertos Ofrenda (Altar)

In this video, you will learn about the significance of the twelve different elements in an altar such as candles, papel picados (paper flags), and bread, as well as the meaning of the different levels of an altar. This video also talks about the UNESCO declaration of the holiday as an intangible cultural heritage of Mexico.

Learn how to make papel picado (paper flags)

In this video, you will hear more about the history of papel picado and learn how to make the flags yourself with tissue paper, scissors, glue, and yarn.

Check out how to make delicious buñuelos (sweet flatbread)

Learn about how to make Mexican buñuelos (fried sweet flatbread covered with syrup) as well as the symbolism of food in the ofrenda (altar).

Celebrate this important holiday with CSU Todos Santos Center staff

Celebrate and honor the loved ones of CSU Todos Santos staff and friends with this final celebration video. Watch and listen to their memories of their family and friends as they place photos, items, and favorite food or drink on the altar.