Members of the Hispanic Heritage Month Committee will transform the Sun Room of the Memorial Union Wednesday, as they set up walkways of candles, marigolds and black tablecloths with altars.

Traditional altars will be on display from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in celebration of the cultural tradition of Dia de los Muertos.

In Mexico, Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is celebrated Nov. 1 and 2 — a tradition where families and friends gather to celebrate the deceased.

Traditionally, communities gather at cemeteries, said Kathy Leonard, professor of foreign languages and literatures.

“People go to the cemetery and have parties,” Leonard said.

The celebration in the Sun Room will serve as a “symbolic resemblance” to the traditional cemetery celebration, said Jerry Garcia, assistant professor of history.

Dia de los Muertos takes the place of Halloween for Hispanics, but is celebrated very differently.

“It’s a parody of death,” Leonard said. “Latin American cultures view death very differently. Death is not feared, but is viewed as a part of life.”

A number of organizations and students came together to create the altars for display and to celebrate Dia de los Muertos. Some students used the event for class projects and others took part in the tradition on their own, Garcia said. The altars pay homage to the deceased by showcasing their favorite things and memorable items.

Oscar Murillo, graduate student in aerospace engineering, said food, beverages, music and books are typically placed on the altars, along with anything significant to the deceased.

Traditionally, marigolds are used on and around the altars, he said. “Marigolds are laid out from the grave to the house to outline the path for the spirit to go,” Murillo said.

Garcia said the altars are a way to “welcome back the spirits.”

The celebration will showcase four to five altars and is an opportunity for students to learn about other cultures.

“[The Day of the Dead] is one of the most cultural events for Latinos,” Garcia said.

A brief presentation highlighting the history and overview of the holiday will be given by Garcia at noon. Following the presentation, a ritual will be performed to help welcome back spirits. A video on the history of the day will also be shown.

“The event is a time to celebrate people,” Garcia said. “It’s about not being afraid of death.”