Medical Students Celebrate Día de los Muertos with an Ofrenda

As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix set up an ofrenda to celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

The ofrenda serves as an alter to celebrate the lives of deceased loved ones and honor their memories with cherished photos and colorful florals. This marks the fourth year for this tradition to be held on campus.

Marvin Hernandez, a second-year medical student at the U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix and member of LMSA’s leadership team, said that the ofrenda portrays death as something to be honored and celebrated rather than mourned.

“The ofrenda is deeply rooted in the belief that death is not the end but a continuation of life in another form,” Hernandez said. “In Mexican culture, death is not feared; it is embraced as a natural phase of existence.”

For Hernandez, having the ofrenda displayed on campus is an important way of celebrating the community and reflect on life.

“It’s a great way to celebrate and remember those who have passed on, especially our loved ones who supported us during our medical school journey,” Hernandez said. “It also gives a great perspective on how many different cultures celebrate the lives of their loved ones.”

LMSA hosted a gathering to commemorate the ofrenda on October 8 and provided pan dulce (sweet bread) and coffee to those who attended.

Lynnette Valencia, a first-year medical student at the U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix and another member of LMSA’s leadership team, said that this is always a special time to remember family members, share stories and honor loved ones in a joyful way.

“For me, it represents love, family and a deep connection to our roots,” Valencia said. “Having the ofrenda displayed on campus brings our community together and shows that our culture is valued and celebrated.”

Valencia views the ofrenda as a way to keep her loved one’s memories alive through offering their favorite foods, drinks and meaningful objects.

“One of my favorite memories of Día de los Muertos is dancing at a community event with my friends to celebrate our ancestors,” Valencia said. “The music, vibrant colors and the energy of everyone coming together made it feel like a true celebration of life.”

The ofrenda will be on display until after Día de los Muertos, which will be recognized November 1 and 2. All members of the college’s community are invited to place photos of deceased loved ones on the ofrenda, which is located on the second floor of the Health Sciences Education Building.