‘Dia de los Muertos – Day of the Dead’
The Day of the Dead Celebration, a popular celebration worldwide, will be held at the Penn Museum October 26 from 11 am to 5 pm.
This celebration is an important Mexican tradition that honors the lives of those that have passed by family and friends, who gather to pray for and remember them, which is done by creating altars and much more. This special Mexican holiday starts on October 31 and ends on November 2 each year.
While visiting, you’ll be treated to an imposing Day of the Dead Altar, presented in the Museum’s majestic Rotunda. The traditional alter was created for this event with dedications to those who died placed upon the ofrenda (altar) by renowned Philadelphia artist and muralist Cesar Viveros with help from the Mexican Consul in Philadelphia staff members.
This years alter, aka the ofrenda, honors indigenous language . The spectacular centerpiece of the celebration is created by muralist Cesar Viveros and Franciso Gorjua, with help from staff members of the Mexican Cultural Center and Consulate of Mexico in Philadelphia.
These altars are constructed with love and care, which are built during the Day of the Dead, known as Dia de los Muertos. Creating these altars is one of the most important traditions during Dia de los Muertos.
The altars have three levels: one for food and flowers, offerings to those who have died; a second level that acknowledges who the altar is dedicated to and the third and highest level, which touches on the religious traditions, including the strong pre-Hispanic tradition that to remember someone is to “bring them back” among the living, once again.
Everyone is invited to bring a photo and a memento of their own to place at a communal altar, remembering the passing of a loved one.
You’ll get to watch dancers perform traditional Mexican folk dances and Radio Jaracho and Zenen Zeferino for “The skeletons come to the fandango!” There will be face painting, skull mask making station, traditional crafts, Marionette puppets, and you’ll hear about the traditions that are practiced around the world. All of which is being co-sponsored by the Mexican Cultural Center of Philadelphia.
Come in costume! Costumed guests under 12 receive half-price admission to the celebration. Guests dressed in a Day of the Dead-themed costume such as La Catrina, or as a traditional Mexican icon like Frida Kahlo can join the parade and costume contest at 3:30 pm!
Day of the Dead Scheduled Events
11:00 am – 11:30 am- “Chinelos” by Comparsa Unionde Morelos
11:00 am – 4:00 pm – Skeleton Magnet Making with Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
11:45 am – 12:00 pm – Storytelling time: “The Legend of the Cempasuchil Flower” by Cecilia Huesca
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm – “AztecaPrehispanic Dance” by Kalpulli Kamaxtle Xiuhcoatl
12:45 pm – 1:00 pm – Storytelling: “The Legend of the Xoloitzcuintle”(by Cecilia Huesca
1:00 pm – 1:15 pm – Daily Dig: Ofrenda to Indigenous Languages by artist Cesar Viveros
1:15 pm – Pan de Muerto and Mexican hot chocolate served
1:15 pm – 1:45 pm – “Folkloric Ballet” by Yaretzi Dance Group
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Musical performance by Radio Jarocho
3:15 pm – 3:45 pm – Judges announce the winners for best community altar and best costume, and guests in traditional Day of the Dead costumes are invited to join a procession to end the day.
Food is very much a part of Day of the Dead celebrations, and guests may sample traditional sweet “pan de muerto” buns and spicy hot chocolate, Maya-style, while supplies last.
The altar built for Day of the Dead will remain on view through October 30.
Day of the Dead Celebration at Penn Museum
Location
Penn Museum
3260 South St (University City)
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Dates
October 26, 2019 | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Costs
General admission timed tickets (includes admission to the Penn Museum)
Adult | $15
Senior (65+) | $13
Students (full-time with ID) & children (6 to 17 years) | $10
FREE for Museum members, Active Military(w/ID), children 5 and under, and PENNcard holders (Penn faculty, staff and students)
Phone
(215) 898-4000
Web Site
pictures courtesy of Penn Museum
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