UCO Students Honor Día de los Muertos With Ofrenda
The University of Central Oklahoma Hispanic American Student Association hosted its annual gathering in the Nigh University Ballrooms on Friday.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Hispanic
The University of Central Oklahoma Hispanic American Student Association (HASA) hosted its Día de los Muertos gathering Friday in the Nigh University Ballrooms. The event featured a traditional Ofrenda, a taco bar, cultural activities, and student vendors selling items including pottery and T-shirts.
Why it matters
The gathering honors deceased loved ones and celebrates Hispanic culture for students and the wider Edmond campus community. It is HASA's largest annual event of the Fall semester and its final event of the term.
The Ofrenda was decorated with photographs, candles, and small trinkets, and activities included button-making and face painting. The university has marked the holiday with students since 2014.
The players
Hispanic American Student Association (HASA)
The student organization at the University of Central Oklahoma that hosts cultural programming for Hispanic and Latino students on campus.
University of Central Oklahoma
A public university in Edmond, Oklahoma, that has hosted Día de los Muertos celebrations with students since 2014.
The details
Student booths sold pottery and T-shirts while attendees enjoyed a taco bar with various fruits. The Ofrenda, placed in the Nigh Ballrooms, reflects the tradition of honoring loved ones through altars and family gatherings.
Timeline
• 2014: The University of Central Oklahoma began celebrating Día de los Muertos with students.
• Friday: HASA hosted its annual Día de los Muertos gathering in the Nigh University Ballrooms.
• Towards the end of the Fall semester: HASA will host a study night for students.
Cultural Roots
Día de los Muertos is traditionally observed in Mexico through Ofrenda making, family gatherings, and visits to the resting places of loved ones. The UCO event brings that same practice to an Edmond campus.
Students and community members in Edmond can attend HASA's events to participate in cultural traditions and connect with the campus Hispanic community. Future HASA programming is planned for next semester.
The takeaway
Cultural traditions like Día de los Muertos can be carried into campus life through community-organized events that invite students to participate directly. Attending such gatherings is one practical way to learn about traditions outside your own background.
What happens next
HASA will host a study night for students towards the end of the Fall semester and plans to continue cultural activities next semester.
Further reading
Explore more Hispanic culture coverage to see how traditions like this one are celebrated across communities.
Source note: This article includes information reported by UCentral Media.
