Me.E.Ch.A de CSUN and the Chicano Studies Department will have their annual Dia de los Muertos celebration on Thursday and Friday.

The two-day celebration is based on tradition, beginning with the Noche de Ofrenda on Thursday night. Those who made altars to remember those they have lost will be able to share their story in an intimate setting.

“All the Mechistas have been working hard planning the event, making papel picado, piñatas, and dolls that are modeled after the dolls in Xochimilco,” said Joanna “Zoey” Villegas, event coordinator.

There will be a craft corner that allows children to decorate traditional sugar skulls for no price. Also, there will be face painting done by volunteers for no fee, but tips are encouraged.

CSUN’s Sustainable Greens will also attend to teach people about having their own garden and making an origami plant pot.

“There will also be a raffle throughout the night of items donated by the vendors,” Villegas said. “The ticket to enter the raffle is only a dollar, but you could win an item that is clearly worth more than a dollar.”

Besides artwork and altars, there will also be music and dancing with performances by Thee Commons and Los Arambula.

Noche de Ofrenda takes place Thursday from 5pm to 9 pm. Miccailhuitl: Dia de los Muertos will be held on Friday from 6 pm to midnight. Both celebrations will be located at the Chicano House.

For more information, visit the M.E.Ch.A de CSUN’s website.