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A Mexican tradition of memory and hospitalityWhat is Día de los Muertos?
A Mexican tradition honouring our dearly departed. Like many Mexican traditions, it originated centuries ago and reflects a fusion of ancient beliefs that view death as a continuation of life.
It is not about fear or ghosts (this is not Halloween). It's about love, memory, and family.
In 2008, UNESCO recognised it as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
About this collective ofrenda
An ofrenda ("offering/shrine") is an altar built to welcome our absent friends and family back for a visit. Marigolds (cempasúchil) guide them home with colour and scent. Candles light the way, photographs hold their memory, and their favourite food and drink welcome them at the table.
Building an ofrenda is an act of hospitality — a way of saying: you live in our love for you.
Creating a collective/shared ofrenda is an emerging way of sharing this tradition. You are invited to bringing something that reminds you of a departed loved one and offer it to the shrine. This could be a photograph of your grandmother (or a beloved pet or an artist you admire) along with the type of chocolate/cigarette/sherry/fruit/treat that they used to enjoy. Tonight, they'll be there, enjoying them with you.
You will be able to collect your photos and items on Sun 8 Nov.
All events listed here are free community events for all ages.
(This is NOT a party, but it’s definitely a celebration.)
This year's Dia de Muertos Celebration is being supported by the GIVE2GIVE 2025 grant by the Mparntwe Alice Springs Community Foundation.
Evening flow:
19:30 – Introduction and Ofrenda Opening (with live music).
Followed by Poetry Session around the fire - BRING a poem to share (yours or one you love about death or daying)
Sunday 8 November – Collect your offerings after 3 PM.
SEE ALSO:
- Sun 1 Nov 18:00 to 20:00 - 'No One Here Gets Out Alive' (The Death Episode) a podcast by Joshua Michel (The Emerald) Sit around the shrine to listen together to this amazing poetic contemplation on dead and the diverse mythic traditions.
- Wed 4 Nov 18:30 PM - Campfire Reflection around the shrine (starting with a pot luck dinner)
- Sat 7 Nov 16:45 to 21:00 'Wisdom for a Sacred Death' - Talk + Q&E (see the FB event by Campire in the Heart)
- Sun 8 Nov 11:00 to 1:00 PM - Death Cafe - A space to have a cuppa and bring back death and dying into the conversation.
Stay tuned for MORE DETAILS.
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147 Ragonesi Road, Alice Springs, NT, Australia, Northern Territory 0873
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