A Celebration of Souls: Day of the Dead in Southern Mexico

Each November 1 and 2, families in villages across Mexico gather to welcome home the visiting spirits of departed relatives on the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

Families prepare for the celebration weeks in advance by planning lively reunions, decorating burial plots, and preparing special foods. Participants honor the deceased with home altars that include skeleton models, elaborate wreaths and crosses, votive lights, and fresh seasonal flowers.

Encounter the colorful traditions of this luminous holiday with 26 stunning color photographs that capture Day of the Dead celebrations in and around Oaxaca, Mexico. This exhibition focuses on the lives of villagers as they prepare centuries-old recipes, scatter marigolds to guide the dead home, and celebrate this annual event.

This exhibition was developed by The Field Museum in collaboration with Mars, Incorporated.

Gallery Requirements:
At least 100 linear ft. (30 m.); light levels adjustable to 5 - 10 foot candles; gallery attendant or circulating guard required
Contents:
26 framed color photographs, 12 content panels, 1 title panel, 26 labels on disk
Language:
All text in English and Spanish; language may be converted by international host venues

Additional Information:

• A Celebration of Souls Fact Sheet
• A Celebration of Souls Tour Schedule

Contact Us:

Amy Bornkamp, Senior Manager of Exhibition Planning & Partnerships. (001) 312-665-7404
Hilary Hansen Sanders, Traveling Exhibitions Manager. (001) 312-665-7370