A cultural tribute to departed loved ones will take shape in Illinois Valley Community College’s Oglesby Campus and Ottawa Center lobbies as the College and its communities celebrate The Day of the Dead.

The Day of the Dead is widely observed in Mexico Nov. 1-2, part of a 3,000-year-old tradition paying respects and remembering friends and family members who have died. Central to the festive tribute are decorative and brightly colored altars and memorials covered in flowers, photos, keepsakes and candles.

Beginning October 1, the public can furnish personal tributes to the IVCC display, which continues through November 2. Photos, keepsakes or offerings of non-perishable foods and sealed drinks (to provide nourishment and enrichment for those who are gone) can be added to the display. Families can also leave notes or written memories.

Contributed items can be picked up where they were displayed, at the Oglesby Campus or Ottawa Center front desks, beginning November 2.

The event is sponsored by several IVCC organizations, including the Hispanic Leadership Team, DEI Committee, the Project Success Leadership Team, the International Club, and the Illinois Valley Visual Arts Club. For any questions contact Sara Escatel at Sara_Escatel@ivcc.edu or (815) 224-0355 or Shannon Slaight at Shannon_Slaight@ivcc.edu or (815) 224–0351.