Chicago Celebrates The Day of the Dead
Chicagoans of all Cultures come Together to mark the Mexican Holiday
Oct 28, 2009
For hundreds of years, Mexicans have celebrated The Day of the Dead by honoring their deceased loved ones. While Halloween always focuses on the frightening aspect of death, Day of the Dead is viewed as a comforting holiday, a time in which departed relatives can revisit their families. Day of the Dead corresponds with the Catholic holidays All Saint’s Day and All Soul’s Day. Families construct altars made of their relatives’ favorite items and visit their graves with gifts.
Camino a Casa: Coming Home on Day of the Dead at the National Museum of Mexican Art
The National Museum of Mexican Art, located in Pilsen, has what they claim to be the biggest annual Day of the Dead exhibit in the country. This museum is the largest Latino arts museum in the United States. Their Day of the Dead exhibit features the work of 20 Mexican and Mexican-American artists. There are two special ofrendas, or altars, at this year’s exhibit. One is dedicated to Arturo Velasquez, an educational and political leader of Mexican descent who passed away this year. Another ofrenda was constructed by Sandra Cisneros, dedicated to her parents. Cisneros is a famous Mexican-American author who penned the novel The House on Mango Street among many others. This exhibit is running through December 13, and the museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Join Navy Pier for a Fun, Hands On Day of the Dead Celebration
If a tourist doesn’t want to venture away from downtown Chicago and into the Pilsen community, he or she can still celebrate El Día de los Muertos, or The Day of the Dead as it is said in Spanish. The popular tourist destination spot Navy Pier is hosting a Day of the Dead festival in conjunction with the National Museum of Mexican Art. This event is being held from November 1st through the 4th from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Visitors can observe artists constructing ofrendas and participate in making crafts such as the sugar skulls typically eaten in Mexico during the holiday.
While traditionally The Day of the Dead is seen as a private family affair, this holiday has been transformed into the public sphere of museums in the United States. These museum exhibits help people who are not of Mexican descent understand this proud and vibrant culture. These two exhibits are a hands-on way to both learn about and enjoy The Day of the Dead without leaving the United States.
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