Every year the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago has a Day of the Dead exhibit. The only Latino museum accredited by the American Association of Museums, it has the country’s largest Mexican art collection. So it’s fitting the museum also has one of the biggest displays of Día de los Muertos. There are numerous altars and related art by local and international artists. And that’s not it. There is also a sugar skull demonstration along with foot pedal loom weaving and wood carving. And it’s all FREE!!! Well, except if you want to take home a souvenir Day of the Dead ceramic figure, that will cost you.
In case you didn’t already know, Día de los Muertos is a day to celebrate the lives of deceased loved ones. It is believed that on this day, the souls of the dead travel back to earth. Leaving an altar with an offering for the souls ensures that they will find their way home. This year the ancient ways and traditions of Hanal Pixán (food for the souls) from the Yucatan Peninsula was the theme of many of the ofrendas (installations) in the museum. I remember a number of years ago the exhibit honored late Chicago artist Ed Paschke, well, this time Mayor Daley’s late wife Maggie was represented with not just an altar, but an entire room. Hey, it pays to be related to the king, I guess, even in death. Anyway, I’ll let the art speak for itself. Enjoy.
¡Feliz Día de los Muertos!
