The following description comes from the event organizer.

Celebrate the 17th annual Día de los Muertos Festival with community altars in the museum.

Known in English as Day of the Dead, this life-affirming celebration of the eternal cycle of life has been observed for centuries. Day of the Dead combines ancient and colonial traditions, folk customs, and spiritual beliefs. Celebrated in Mexican and Latin American communities on November 1 and 2, Día de los Muertos is a powerful, symbolic way to honor relatives and friends who have died.

Traditionally, families assemble altars in their homes laden with offerings of food and drink to nourish the spirits on their long journey back home. Flowers, candles, clay figurines, sugar skeletons with the names of the deceased, and personal messages to the spirits are placed on the altars.

Exemplifying the Museum’s mission to transform our communities by sharing art that inspires broader perspectives and cultivates a compassionate future, TAM’s annual  Día de los Muertos Festival has grown over the past 16 years, bringing together community organizations, schools, families, and individuals to create altars, celebrate, and share.

Visit TAM October 20 – 31 to view the tapete (sand painting) by acclaimed artist Fulgencio Lazo  and our exhibition of community-built ofrendas (altars.) Traditionally, families assemble altars in their homes laden with food and drink offerings to nourish the spirits on their long journey back home. Over the years at TAM, we have seen many beautiful and powerful offerings to those who have passed, and we look forward to sharing the beautiful altars created in the museum this year.