Day of the Dead Ofrenda Skull Decorating Class & Talk

On Sunday, October 20, 2024, the Hoboken Historical Museum invites the community to a special Day of the Dead celebration. Professor Regina Marchi will be leading an ofrenda skull decorating class from 1:30pm-3:30pm, followed by a Day of the Dead talk from 4pm-5pm. No registration is required and both events are free of charge.

Regina Marchi is a professor of Media Studies at Rutgers University, where she teaches and conducts research about media, culture and politics. She is author of the book Day of the Dead in the USA (Rutgers University Press 2009; 2022), which discusses how Latino artist-activists deploy public art and traditions to communicate cultural and political messages. This book received the 2023 International Latino Book Award in two categories: Best Political/Current Affairs Book and Best Cultural & Community Themed Book.

According to Professor Marchi, El Dia de las Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is one of the biggest holidays in Mexico, an important observance throughout Latin America, and a major Latino celebration in the United States. A moving custom connected to this event is the creation of altars, otherwise known as ofrendas, or “offerings.” It is a way to honor the deceased and highlight how death is integral to regeneration. The museum is excited to display an ofrenda in our walkway as a special tribute to this holiday.