Like so many years before ( since 2022 ), we will be putting up
El Morro's very own community altar to honor our beloved departed
in a celebration of life and love.
We would love for you to join us and share your memories
and your loved ones with all of us.
Friday, October 30th, 2026
6:00 to 8:30 pm
at The Old School Gallery.
This is a free event!
ABOUT DÍA DE MUERTOS
Día de Muertos is a celebration of life, love, and remembrance. Rooted in Indigenous traditions, it is believed that on November 1 and 2, the spirits of our loved ones return to visit us.
Through ofrendas, flowers, food, music, stories, and memories, families and communities welcome them home—and celebrate the enduring connection between the living and the dead.
Be part of the Community Ofrenda!
Bring a picture of your departed loved one(s).
Bring mementos of them.
Some examples are:
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A clothing item
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Their favorite brand of cigarettes
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Playing cards, or their favorite game
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A postcard of their favorite place
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Letters or poems they wrote
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Your pet's collar or nametag, or their favorite toy
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A mug, a book, a craft... you name it!
Let your face be painted and
walk the night as La Catrina in all her elegance.
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Savor the traditional Pan de Muerto and enjoy soul-warming drinks like Mexican hot chocolate.
Sing a song, read a poem, tell a story of the people you are honoring this evening,
or just come forward and read your Calaverita to everyone!
Want to take a shot at creating your own Calaverita?
Write your own satirical poem remembering a loved one or roasting your dear friend...
You can prepare one now, and recite it at the Open Mic, or you can create one at the event along with other people!
1. Pick someone (or something) to eulogize.
Just think of someone, either dead or alive, who you want the poem to be about. You can write about a politician or famous person, or your best friend, or pet, or even an object.
2. Introduce your subject.
Tell a funny story about the character: irony works best, but dark humor is welcomed as well.
Try starting with the imaginative prompt, “If [celebrity / politician / public figure] died of a particular emotion, what would it be?”. Do a little foreshadowing. Are they behaving badly? Making poor choices? Minding their own business? It’s all up to you.
3. Decide how they meet La Muerte.
How will Death come? Will it be the result of their hobby or occupation? Their personality? Or will they perish as the result of a really bad pun.
Consider a lesson about mortality or living life to the fullest.
4. Things to consider.
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Take care with the number of syllables for each verse: you can use as many as you like, but be consistent.
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A good starting point would be to make verses of 4 lines, with about 6 syllables each.
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Remember to rhyme each line’s final word.
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Think of the poem, even with its ironic twist, as a way to honor your character (poke fun, but mean well).
