Día de los Muertos 2025

A Day of Remembrance and Celebration

Join the Regis University community as we host events in honor of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

View the full schedule of events

We celebrate one of the most ancient feasts in the cultural life of Mexico: Día de los Muertos. The indigenous peoples of Mexico dedicate a tremendous amount of time and energy preparing for this tradition, celebrating the faithful departed as they visit or return to our dimension here on earth. Entire communities take part, and many begin preparations on Oct. 28. This feast has aesthetic vitality and a gravitational pull to bring together families and communities, centering around celebrating memories and enhancing familial bonds. Carlos Pellicer, a Mexican poet, describes in The Garden of Fire:

"The day of the dead and all its rituals are a celebration of life ...
During the night of November 1st, the cemetery is an impressive place. The flowers over the tombstones are many. But the lit candles over them are even more ... All the cemetery, during that night, is a grand garden of fire. The murmur of the prayers and litanies gives warmth to the cold wind. At midnight we have to eat and drink. And we drink hard, because the memories call for it. Walking I stumbled upon a recent tomb. They were finishing praying the rosary. I joined the group and I responded to the litany. When I heard: "consoler of the afflicted" I looked up at the sky, and life hurt, and I gave thanks for being alive."

Want to learn more about Día de los Muertos?

Explore the History and Traditions
Colorful tissue paper pom-poms and decorations hang on strings, including pink, blue, and red hues, creating a festive atmosphere
A figurine of La Catrina in a floral dress and hat stands on a colorful altar decorated with papel picado and various small objects
Colorful Día de los Muertos piñata with a white skull face, black eyes, red flowers, heart designs, and green, white, and red ribbon hair against a brick background
Four mariachi musicians perform outside, wearing traditional black outfits with silver embroidery, playing trumpet, violin, and guitar

Schedule of Events

A Celebration of Remembrance Art Exhibition

Oct. 6–Nov. 2

Explore an exhibition of artwork by 13 local Latino artists, celebrating the rich traditions and cultural heritage of Día de los Muertos.

  • Location: Fireside Gallery, Dayton Memorial Library
  • Opening Reception: Thursday, Oct. 23 | 4–7 p.m.

Community Gathering

Wednesday, Oct. 29

Celebrate this vibrant and meaningful holiday with students, faculty, staff and the local community — fun, food, Mass and mariachi music await!

  • Tabling Event and Crafts: Student Center Patio | 2:30–5 p.m.
  • Mass: St. John Francis Regis Chapel | 5:15 p.m.
  • Mariachi Los Correcaminos Pre-Concert Experience: St. Peter Claver, S.J., Hall | 6:15 p.m.
  • Mariachi Los Correcaminos Concert: St. Peter Claver, S.J., Hall | 7:30 p.m.

Altarcitos and Calaveritas Literarias

Monday, Nov. 3

A full-day Día de los Muertos celebration with Denver-area high school students, including mini-altares, lunch and campus activities.

  • Student Mini-Altares:  Displays in Main Hall, Student Center and various locations across campus | 9 a.m.
  • Calaveritas Literarias: St. John Francis Regis Chapel | 12:30 p.m.

Visiting High Schools

For the Día de los Muertos celebration on Nov. 3, Regis will welcome almost 140 students from the following Denver-area high schools:

  • Abraham Lincoln High School
  • Kennedy High School
  • North High School
  • Peak to Peak Charter School (Boulder Valley)
  • Stead School (Commerce City)
  • West High School
Day of the Dead altar with a colorful sugar skull, marigold flowers, papel picado, candles, and a photo of a man

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