Spanishpalooza: Day of the Dead Celebration

Spanishpalooza: Day of the Dead Celebration is a vibrant annual event that brings the spirit of Día de los Muertos to life at UC Clermont College.

What makes Spanishpalooza: Day of the Dead Celebration truly unique is its centerpiece: a large, community-built altar (ofrenda) that honors the lives of those who have passed and brings to life the rich symbolism of Mexican culture. This immersive experience offers students and community members a transformative opportunity to engage with cultural traditions firsthand— promoting intercultural dialogue, expanding global awareness and cultivating a deeper sense of empathy and social responsibility.

Founded in 2022 by UC Clermont faculty member Dr. Stephanie Alcantar, Spanishpalooza has evolved into a vibrant tradition that promotes cultural education, artistic expression and meaningful community collaboration. The altar—designed and constructed by students, faculty, staff, and volunteers—has become the heart of the celebration, drawing visitors from across the region and inspiring meaningful conversations about memory, identity and heritage.

The altar at Spanishpalooza is more than a visual display—it is a living tribute to loved ones and a powerful teaching tool that brings the heart of Día de los Muertos to UC Clermont College. Since its debut in 2022, the altar has grown remarkably—not only in size and artistic complexity, but also in the number of hands and hearts involved in its creation.

What began as a modest installation built in six hours by a small group of 16 volunteers has evolved into a massive, 13-foot centerpiece requiring the coordinated efforts of over 30 volunteers, including students, faculty, staff and even family members. Each year, the altar becomes more intricate, more meaningful and more representative of the collective spirit of the UC Clermont community.

This collaborative effort has transformed the altar into a symbol of community engagement — drawing visitors from across the region and inspiring high school students to join the celebration, engage with the culture, and envision themselves as part of the UC Clermont experience. This year, we are excited to welcome students from Batavia High School and DePaul Cristo Rey High School, continuing to expand the event’s reach and impact.

Spanishpalooza is a dynamic blend of cultural celebration and academic enrichment. Attendees can expect:

Spanishpalooza: Day of the Dead Celebration is made possible by the dedication of volunteers from across the UC Clermont College community. Whether you're a UC student, faculty member, staff member or local resident, your time and talents are welcome! 

Help us grow this celebration! Share the event with friends, family and students. Follow us on Instagram @spanishpalooza and tag your photos with #SpanishpaloozaUCClermont. Contact us: spanishpalooza@ucmail.uc.edu