NORTH MANCHESTER — From Oct. 28 to Nov. 17, the North Manchester campus of Manchester University will delve into the often ignored and taboo topic of death.

This is the second annual observance of Day of the Dead, El Día de Los Muertos, at Manchester University.

On Thursday, Oct. 31, Associate Professor of Spanish Arturo Yañez will speak about the Day of the Dead-El Día de Los Muertos and address the tradition and meaning of this important Mexican holiday. Following this presentation, Jeanine Wine, University archivist, will tell stories related to MU’s El Día de Los Muertos altar that celebrates individuals from Manchester’s cultural past. This brief program begins at 9:30 a.m. on the first floor of the Funderburg Library.

That evening, a panel discussion moderated by Professor of English Beate Gilliar about “Sweet Life and Other Dying Matters” will take place at 7 p.m. in the Lahman Room of the Jo Young Switzer Center.

The discussion will focus on experiences commemorating life and death with panelists who include a person living with cancer and professionals from funerary, grieving and counseling services. One panel member who has gone through 122 chemotherapy treatments so far, will read excerpts from “Chapters on Life,” a compilation of stories from his childhood to today’s reality of stage IV cancer.

Displays available Oct. 28 through Nov. 17 at the library:

• Altars honoring the Day of the Dead- El Día de Los Muertos” – Created by Yañez, his family and Wine.
• “Perspectives on Life and Death” exhibits created by first-year Manchester students in the “Death and Other Endings” seminar.
• “Death: A Global Glance through an Array of Faith Traditions,” offering digital images prepared by students in Sociology of Religion.
• Contemplation Niche with Casket: An opportunity to experience a casket in a semi-private and respectful atmosphere.
• Displays asking, “How do you wish to be remembered?” will invite visitors to record an anonymous response that will be posted on whiteboards or paper panels placed around the library.