Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead)

Every year, Palmetto Luna Arts hosts a vibrant Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) Altar & Celebration at the Fountain at Five Points and the Columbia Museum of Art’s Boyd Plaza. This annual tradition honors the rich Mexican heritage of celebrating life and remembering loved ones who have passed. Rooted in Indigenous and Catholic traditions, Día de Muertos reminds us that death is not the end, but part of a larger cycle. Through music, dance, food, and art, our community altar becomes a living space for memory, reflection, and celebration—welcoming people of all backgrounds to light a candle, share a prayer, or leave a meaningful offering.

Now in its 8th year, this event has grown into one of the most meaningful cultural experiences in Columbia! By placing the altar in public spaces rather than traditional cultural centers, we aim to make this celebration accessible to all. It not only invites the Latinx community to engage with their heritage but also creates an opportunity for the broader South Carolina community to experience the beauty, symbolism, and deep cultural roots of Día de Muertos. The result is a powerful, inclusive moment of connection—bridging cultures, honoring ancestors, and celebrating life together.