Día de Muertos: A Spiritual Legacy

The Day of the Dead celebration is deeply rooted in the ancient Pre-Cuauhtémoc cultures that believed in life after death and a spiritual existence in the cosmos. After the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, the remembrance of the faithful departed was primarily observed on All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days (November 1 & 2) throughout Colonial Mexico. Today, many Mexican communities north of the US/Mexico border participate in the traditions of Day of the Dead by gathering in cultural spaces to honor and remember their loved ones.

Come see the one-of-a-kind displays of traditional and contemporary works of art, and join us in celebrating life by remembering the dearly departed members of your community. Among the many installations this year will also be an ofrenda from the Parkland, Florida community that underwent a horrific loss of 17 lives this year at the Stoneman Douglas High School. 

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website.