The UA Little Rock League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is collecting orders for tamales that will be ready for pickup at the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29, in the Ottenheimer Library courtyard.

Tamales can be pre-ordered at this link. Two options are offered: chicken with green sauce and pork with red sauce. Pricing is one for $1.50 or a dozen for $15. Payment will be made at the time of pickup on Oct. 29. Bring cash, preferably exact change. Proceeds contribute toward student scholarships.

In addition to the pre-ordered tamales, Day of the Dead festivities will include atole (a traditional hot corn and masa-based beverage), sugar skull making, face painting, a live mariachi band, and authentic altars. 

“We are extremely excited about the Day of the Dead event,” said LULAC President Elizabeth Santillan. “We hope by sharing in this festival on campus we can bring Latino students together to find ‘un rincón’ far away from home.” 

A door prize worth 30 minutes of music donated by Mariachi Nuevo Jalisco for an upcoming event of the winner’s choice will be given away Nov. 16. Tickets for the prize are available for a donation of any amount. Proceeds go toward student scholarships. To enter the door prize drawing, sign up onsite on Oct. 29 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. or contact Oscar Gomez at ojgomez@ualr.edu prior to Nov. 16.

Day of the Dead is a festival of love and respect for deceased family members. The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribed Day of the Dead in 2008 to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. UNESCO recognizes that the long-standing tradition provides a sense of identity and continuity while also promoting respect for cultural diversity and human creativity that is compatible with sustainable development, international human rights, and mutual respect among communities, groups, and individuals.

“Day of the Dead is a special opportunity to share some of our culture with the campus community,” Santillan said. “We are confident that everyone will enjoy it!” 

UA Little Rock’s Day of the Dead celebration is sponsored by the Department of World Languages, LULAC, and the Multicultural Center.