New Field Museum Exhibition To Explore Mexican Day Of The Dead

The  NOTO Arts Center in partnership with Visit Topeka, will host a new temporary exhibition, on loan from the Chicago Field Museum, exploring the history and significance of Day of the Dead celebrations in Oaxaca, a southern region of Mexico. A Celebration of Souls: Day of the Dead in Southern Mexico, opening October 4, 2024 and running through December 14, 2024, uses 26 stunning photographs to capture a typical Oaxacan Day of the Dead. 

Each November 1 and 2, on the Christian holidays of All Saint’s Day and All Soul’s Day, 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). Mexicans prepare for the celebration—which often includes decorating burial plots, lively family reunions, and the preparation of special foods—for weeks in advance, decorating altars in honor of the deceased with skeleton models, elaborate wreaths and crosses, votive lights, and fresh seasonal flowers. Traditionally, November 1 is set aside for remembrance of deceased infants, or angelitos, and those who have died as adults are honored on November 2.

The photographs in A Celebration of Souls: Day of the Dead in Southern Mexico show villagers immersed in all aspects of the celebration—preparing centuries-old recipes for the departed to enjoy, scattering trails of marigolds to guide the dead home, and offering chocolate and pan de muerto (“bread of the dead”) at community gatherings. This annual celebration is commemorated in photographs of candlelit home altars, public processions, and rich offerings of food—including a row of solid chocolate skulls. 

Complementing this traveling exhibit, the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District & MANA de Topeka, will host a traditional Day of the Dead Festival on November 1st, 2024 (First Friday), as well as an exhibit of ofrendas (home altars), and contemporary artworks inspired by Dia de los Muertos. Special programming and presentations will also be available.

A Celebration of Souls: Day of the Dead in Southern Mexico is free to attend. The NOTO Arts Center will have extended hours for this exhibit, Wed, Thur., & Friday from 11-7, and Saturday 10-6.  For more information, please call The NOTO Arts Center at (785) 408-8996 or visit explorenoto.org.