The Arizona Museum of Natural History (formerly known as the Mesa Southwest Museum) provided us with this explanation of El Día de los Muertos, or, in English, Day of the Dead:
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The Day of the Dead is a ritual the indigenous people of Mexico have been practicing for more than 3,000 years. It is still celebrated in Mexico as well as certain parts of the United States
and Central America. Native Aztecs and other Meso-American civilizations viewed death as the continuation of life rather than the end.
In the United States and certain parts of Mexico it is traditional for families to build in-home altars dedicated to the dead. They place flowers, food, pictures of the deceased and lighted candles around the altars.
Many Valley cities host Day of the Dead celebrations each year on the first two days of November. People will sometimes don wooden skull masks and dance to honor deceased loved ones. The wooden skulls, or calacas, are also placed on altars. A relative or a friend often eats sugar skulls, bearing the name of the dead person on the forehead.
Day of the Dead Celebrations/Exhibits in the Phoenix Area
Dia de los Muertos Celebration
An artist Mercado showcasing an assortment of traditional and contemporary merchandise, jewelry, and arts and crafts from several local artisans. Live artist demonstrations, artist workshops, altar contests, hands-on educational activities. Live traditional music and dance. Community altar and procession. Free admission. Mesa Arts Center.
In 2009: October 31, November 1
Ruby Nelda Perez in "Rosita's Day of the Dead"
The story opens in the kitchen of Doña Rosita who is preparing food for El Dia de los Muertos. Cooking late into the night, Rosita dishes out juicy stories about the living, the dead and those who fall in between. Free recipes, eccentric souls and serious comedy are offered. Tickets start at $15. Mesa Arts Center.
In 2008: November 1, 2
Día de los Muertos at Arizona Museum for Youth
The Arizona Museum for Youth's latest exhibition brings this Mexican-Aztecan holiday to life by featuring the artwork of a select number of Arizona artists who explore and celebrate the tradition of honoring our ancestors. The museum is located in Mesa and is closed on Mondays.
In 2008: Now through November 30, 2008
Vision Gallery, Chandler
Dia de los Muertos Exhibit of fine art and artisan made altars. Hours for the exhibition are Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m. On Saturday, November 1, 2008 Vision Gallery and Xico Inc. present a Dia de los Muertos Celebration from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. with live entertainment, children's activities and a candlelight processional.
In 2008: October 20 through November 1
Burton Barr Central Library, Phoenix
In the Central Gallery the library hosts a Día de los Muertos art exhibition featuring the work of emerging and established Arizona artists.
In 2008: October 28 - November 8
Día de los Muertos at the Desert Botanical Garden
From the web site: "Experience the traditions of old Mexico at Día de los Muertos, a festive and colorful holiday honoring departed loved ones. Enjoy delicious Mexican food and pastries, interact with the Garden’s own altar, listen to the sounds of traditional mariachis and shop for beautiful Mexican art in the Garden’s Mercado."
In 2008: postponed until 2009
Dia De Los Muertos at ASU Museum of Anthropology
From the web site: "This year, the gallery will be transformed into one altar through individual works of art. Each piece of art in the exhibit will represent one of the many offerings that compose a traditional altar. Emphasis will be placed on the four elements (earth, wind, water and fire) found on traditional altars that tie this celebration to its Aztecan roots."
In 2008: October 27, 2008 through January 23, 2009
ASU West
This annual event features music, cajita displays, and information about Dia De Los Muertos.
In 2008: ??
