FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 22, 2011
Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos
Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos, despite skulls and images of death, is a celebrates life and the Museum of International Folk Art’s observance of this day is one of the liveliest of its annual family events.
With all the activities planned at the museum on October 30 from 1 to 4 p.m. there will be plenty for everyone to take away something to remember the day.
For starters, a favorite event is decorating sugar skulls, one of Dia de los Muertos’ most recognizable symbols. To the more religious, the skulls honor a dead person and symbolize rebirth. Today, at the museum, folks of all ages show their creativity (and even pop one or more in their mouth in the traditional fashion). Another sweet treat to sample are baskets of Pan de Muerto (sweet bread).
Making your own muertos nicho is another way everyone may express their creativity. These nichos, often set upon a table, house items of special significance to the holiday. They are traditionally made of mixed media and combine cultural items of significance to the owner such as skeletons, small photos, and the like.
The festive spirit continues with live music by Los Trinas and a lively dance performance by Los Ninos de Santa Fe y Compania.
By museum admission; New Mexico residents with ID are free on Sundays, youth 16 and under are always admitted free.
Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos images may be found on the Museum of New Mexico Media Center.
Background information on the day may be found at this Smithsonian site: