Day of the Dead

Posted by Janeen Bryant, VP of Education on October 21 2009

On November 1st, Levine Museum will host our 4th annual Day of the Dead Festival, one of our signature free community days. A traditional holiday celebrated in Mexico, the Day of the Dead (El Día de los Muertos) focuses on remembering and honoring friends and family members who have died. While death is a topic associated with sadness and often avoided in the United States, celebrating the remembrance of deceased ancestors and loved ones is traditional among diverse cultures around the globe

The Day of the Dead holiday occurs each year on November 1st and 2nd, and has its roots in All Saints Day (Nov. 1), and All Souls Day (Nov. 2). The customs vary across different regions of Mexico, but most include colorful decorations, building altars honoring the deceased, gatherings of family and friends, sugar skulls (often inscribed with the names of the deceased), "dead bread" and other special foods.

The Museum's Day of the Dead Festival, presented in partnership with Latin American Coalition, has become known for its personal and celebratory feel. Each year staff members from both our organizations get together to brainstorm and discuss the previous year's festival. We plan out the logistics of the day, contact storytellers, consider dance troupes to invite, get the word out to the public, and most importantly, dream about the food that will be offered by the taquería parked in our alley!

With our Changing Places exhibit currently on display, we realized the festival would have a slightly different feel than previous years. Just as Changing Places looks at the blend of different cultures in our community, this year's festival will not only focus on the Mexican holiday, but also very intentionally highlight other cultural traditions that celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed away.

So, as we string papel picado over the atrium and sell pan de muerto in the lobby, we invite everyone to be a part of the celebration and share your own traditions with us. We host Alejandro Galvez as he discusses traditions of the Aztec people, plus altar making contests, sugar skull workshops, calavera crafts for kids, storytelling, and dancing every 45 minutes in the atrium. Admission is free all day, with festivities taking place between 12-4 pm.

Do you have a unique way of remembering your loved ones? Please share it with us!