The West Texas A&M University community will celebrate lost loved ones with its annual Dia de los Muertos activities.

Deadline is Oct. 12 for community members as well as WT students, faculty and staff to sign up to create an ofrenda display in Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum. Ofrendas, or private memorial displays honoring loved ones, will be installed Oct. 18 and on view through Oct. 22.

The activities are hosted by WT’s College of Education and Social Sciences.

“This is truly one of our favorite events of the year,” said Dr. Eddie Henderson, dean. “It’s a joyous celebration of loved ones, and it helps us raise needed funds for scholarships in our college, including a newly established fund benefiting Latino students.”

Ofrenda often incorporate sugar skulls, marigolds and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed. WT and PPHM generally host about 100 displays, which will be judged for prizes.

While they are on view, area schools will send classes for tours and art activities; in 2019, more than 1,200 students experienced the display.

Region 16 school districts may still register for tours, which will be conducted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Oct. 19 to 22. Space is limited; schools should email teacherprep@wtamu.edu to register.

Museum admission for those classes is paid for by the College of Education and Social Sciences.

“These Day of the Dead displays bring learning to life for the students in the Texas Panhandle. It combines cultural diversity, history and literacy in a unique and informative way that captures hearts and informs minds,” said Dr. Beth Garcia, organizer and WT’s Sylvia Nugent Professor of Education. “It is aligned to the state standards and presents unprecedented outreach opportunities for all participants.”

WT is a Hispanic Serving Institution, and serving the demographics of this region is a key goal of the University’s long-term plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

-West Texas A&M University