Celebrate Day of the Dead with altar, performances

Decorate sugar skulls and create paper marigold flowers for a communal altar today at the Latino Cultural Center’s Day of the Dead event.

Decorate sugar skulls, feast on Bread of the Dead and watch an exclusive theater performance at the Latino Cultural Center’s Day of the Dead events today and Thursday. All events take place at the Latino Cultural Center, Lecture Center B2.

A communal altar to honor loved ones who have died will be created today, 1 to 4 p.m. Participants can bring photos or remembrance items, decorate sugar skulls and create paper marigold flowers for the altar. The altar is co-hosted by Mexican Students de Aztlan.

Chicago actors Laura Crotte and Jasmin Cardenas will present stories, songs and performances about the Day of the Dead Thursday, 3:30 to 5 p.m., at “A Celebration of Life and Death.” Bread of the Dead (Mexican sweet bread made for the Day of the Dead) and hot chocolate will be served.

“This is the grand finale because it’s a very special event,” said Mario Lucero, assistant program director of the Latino Cultural Center. “We’re really excited for this one.”

The Latino Cultural Center invites all students and employees to learn about and share the significance of the celebration.

“You don’t have to be from Latin America to connect to the Day of the Dead,” Lucero said. “The significance is to remember those that aren’t here with us anymore.”