October 12, 2009 - January 8, 2010

Join us in celebrating Day of the Dead!

See a preview of the exhibit!

Opening Reception, Oct. 29, 2009

Welcomed by an illuminated entry, we invite visitors to the reception of the tenth annual Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival exihibit at the Museum of Anthropology. Beginning at 6 p.m., ASU Spanish professor Dr. Carmen King will give a lecture titled, Searching for Origins: Day of the Dead in Colonial Mexico. From 7 to 9 p.m. the museum will be open to the public. Food will be served.

Altar Vida performance by M.J. Sanchez, Emalee Arroyo, and Michelle Ceballos at 8 p.m.

About the lecture, Searching for Origins: Day of the Dead in Colonial Mexico
Despite the fact Day of the Dead - Día de los muertos - is one of the most recognized and celebrated Mexican holidays, scholars debate the origins of this tradition.  While there is clearly evidence that links this festival to Roman-Catholic origins, the indigenous rituals that parallel contemporary customs are widely apparent.  Dr. Carmen King of the School of Letters and Sciences will trace some of the competing rituals and explicate the role Spanish colonies play in the development of this tradition in México. Listen to a recording of Dr. King's lecture (43 minutes in length).

Festival Cempasuchil / Marigold Festival, Nov. 2, 2009, 10:00 a.m. -2 p.m.

The festival will be held on the lawn in front of the SHESC building (where the museum is located) on the ASU Tempe campus. We will feature art vendors, pan de muertos, mural painting, and music!  

Día de los Muertos: An Ancient Tradition in the 21st Century
Panel Discussion, Oct. 24, 2009, 4 - 5:15 p.m.

This panel will explore the significance of this tradition and celebration as it has become popularized and commodified. What does the popularization of this celebration mean? What role do museums play in this popularization? Is the popularization of Day of the Dead part of the tradition? What do you think? Come share your thoughts, concerns and questions.

In preparation for the celebration of Días de los Muertos, we present a panel of artists, community members, and students to discuss issues related to the holiday.

The panel will be moderated by April Bojorquez and will include these speakers:

Dulce Aldama, founder of Día de los Muertos exhibits at the Museum of Anthropology and Public Programs Coordinator at the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History.

Marco Albarrán, Executive Director of Calaca Cultural Center, Inc., Chicano artist and advocate for Latina/o arts.

Dr. Amelia Malagamba, Southwestern Borderlands Scholar and Assistant Professor at ASU in the School of Art.
Dr. Malagamba’s research focuses on Latina/o visual arts and culture, border art and Mexican photography.

The panel will be held at Xico, Inc. located in historic downtown Chandler, Arizona.
44 S. San Marcos Place
Chandler, Arizona 85225
480-833-5875

Directions from ASU: Take University Dr. to the 101 South, exit Chandler Blvd, take a left onto Chandler Blvd, take a right onto Arizona Ave. Xico, Inc. is located right beside Dr. A.J. Chandler park in historic downtown. There is plenty of parking. There are also lots of cute places to eat — it’ll be just in time for dinner!

Important Dates

October 12, 2009  Soft opening

October 29, 2009  Opening Celebration

January 8, 2010  Exhibit Closes

Download the Call for Entries.

Download the Press Release for ¡Que Vivan Los Muertos!.

The 10th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival Exhibit is a joint collaboration between the ASU Museum of Anthropology, the Calaca Cultural Center, Xico, Inc, and the community.
Image copyright Fernando Gonzales, Ingredients of a Calaca Day, 2004.