Celebrating tradition and creativity: UTSA Honors course celebrates Día de los Muertos

NOVEMBER 1, 2024 – Students at UTSA are taking a creative approach to celebrating their ancestors this year with vibrant ofrendas (altars) as part of the university’s Day of the Dead course. A unique class, offered by the Honors College, blends culture and creativity, challenging students to design an exhibit that honors the evolving traditions of Día de los Muertos. 

This year’s theme, "Traditions in Flight: From Ancestors to Altars," showcases a powerful mix of Indigenous beliefs and modern influences.

Central to the exhibit are monarch butterflies, which migrate to Mexico around this time and are believed to carry the souls of the departed, symbolizing that death is not an end but a continued journey with loved ones always near in spirit. Hummingbirds, seen by Indigenous Mexican tribes as messengers between the living and the dead, also take flight throughout the exhibit, representing the souls of ancestors visiting during this special celebration.

The course goes beyond a cultural exploration. It's a real-world, hands-on experience that builds vital skills like project management, creative thinking and teamwork. The course encourages them to embrace creative courage, develop intellectual flexibility, and gain a sense of accomplishment through their work.

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— Ari Castaneda

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