The 33rd Day of the Dead exhibition is dedicated to those who tragically lost their lives in El Paso, Texas, where Mexicans and immigrants were targeted in the August 3rd hate crime.

The Day of the Dead commemoration is deeply rooted in ancient indigenous beliefs of life after death and a spiritual existence within the universe. After the 16th century Spanish encounter with America, celebrations for the deceased were mainly observed on All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days (November 1 & 2) throughout Mexico. Today, various Mexican communities and regions honor their dead in unique ways. From the Afro Mexican towns along the Costa Chica, to the Mixteca towns in the state of Puebla, each region observes the age-old practice in unique ways. Among the numerous installations this year will be a display from Mexico’s Black Towns in the Costa Chica.

Participating Artists

Natalia Anciso (CA), Fernando Andrade (TX), Mary J. Andrade (CA), Alfredo Arrequín (WA), Tomás Bringas (1961-1999), Ruth Leonela Buentello (TX), Valerie C. Burton (Ontario), Zenón Candela (Costa Chica), Alfonso M. Castillo Orta (1944-2009), Ma. Guillermina Chávez Avila (Michoacán), Carlos Cortéz (1923-2005), Raul “Racufi” Cruz (Mexico City), Víctor Cruz (Costa Chica), Nicolás de Jesús (Guerrero), Alfonso Domínguez (Costa Chica), Pamela Enriquez-Courts (NM), Arturo García (Mexico City), Daniel García Luna (Michoacán), Eric J. García (Chicago), George O. Jackson Jr. (TX), Eduardo Juárez (Mexico City), Sotero Lemus Gervacio (Guanajuato), David Linares (Mexico City), Arthur López (NM), Brandon Maldonado (NM), Ariel Mendoza Baños (Oaxaca), Emmanuel C. Montoya (CA), Ann Murdy (NM), Antonia A. Pérez (NY), Aydé Rodríguez López (Costa Chica), Marie Romero Cash (NM), Rafael Francisco Salas (WI), Saner (Mexico City), Miguel Torres Ayala (Michoacán), Zenón Toscano Salina (Costa Chica), Robert Valadez (Chicago), Patssi Valdez (CA)

Mural Artist

Salvador Vega (Chicago) 

Ofrendas & Installation

Veronica Castillo Salas (Puebla), Summit School District 104, Yvette Pino (WI), Familia Torres Arellano (Chicago), Gabriel Villa (Chicago) 

Curator

Cesáreo Moreno

Organizing Institution

National Museum of Mexican Art

Displayed at

Main Gallery