The RSL and Utah Royals are excited to announce a special Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration at the stadium. An Ofrenda, a traditional altar honoring loved ones who have passed, will be constructed on the West Side of the Stadium on the second floor by the lobby.
“Day of the Dead is so significant because it represents the idea that our departed loved ones never truly leave us. Through offerings made with elements such as pan de muerto (bread of the dead), sugar skulls, marigold flowers, and photographs of the deceased, we celebrate their lives and remember them fondly, and honor their memories.”
Eduardo Baca, Consul of Mexico in Salt Lake City
When to Visit:
The ofrenda will be open to the public from October 28th to November 1st, including during the RSL Playoff Game (October 29th at 7PM) and the Royals Season Finale (November 1st at 7:30PM). Visitors are welcome to stop by and pay their respects during the following hours:
- Monday - Friday: 10 AM - 4 PM
- Gates will be open during all matches
About Dia de Los Muertos
Dia de Los Muertos is a Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. It is a time to honor the deceased and remember their lives through prayer, offerings, and festivities. The ofrenda is a central tradition, where families create altars adorned with flowers, food, and personal items to welcome the spirits of their loved ones.
Who Can Participate?
You don’t have to be from Mexico or have any Mexican heritage to build an altar or celebrate Día de Muertos, Alcaraz said. It’s a holiday about love and celebration and honor, so if you participate in that spirit, you’re doing it right. He compared it to food websites that act like no one’s ever thought to combine mango and chile powder before or would suggest putting peas in guacamole.
“It’s cool to like other people’s culture. Just don’t act like you invented it and start explaining certain cultures, explaining to me about how you do Day of the Dead so much better than that,” Alcaraz said. “Don’t pretend that you invented it; don’t pretend that you do it better than anybody. Try not to wear Día de los Muertos as a costume. ... It’s really about remembering how great that person was, what would make that person happy. And that makes you happy. It gives you a connection, a warm connection to that person so they’re not forgotten.”
Focus on your loved one — and on the rare opportunity you have to spend time with them again. In a year marked by grief and isolation, Día de Muertos can be a chance to process and remember.
-Via Los Angeles Times
URFC Next Match: 11/01 @America First Field
Gotham FC comes to America First to take on Utah Royals on November 1st at 7:30 p.m.
