Wellcome Collection celebrates the Day of the Dead
2 November 2011
From mariachis to sugar skulls and storytelling to dancing skeletons, there will be fun for all ages with food, folklore, and a mask-filled finale procession and dance of the dead. There is also the chance to see the critically acclaimed 'Miracles and Charms' exhibition as part of this special festival of remembrance.
The Day of the Dead ('Dia de los Muertos') is a Mexican festivity rooted in the Aztec culture and the belief that the souls of those who died travel to a place called Mictlán, or 'place of the dead'. Once a year, during the harvest season, it is believed that the departed come back to visit their loved ones.
The Dia de los Muertos is a hallowed day in the Mexican calendar when thoughts and offerings are given to the dead. Both sacred and celebratory, it's a festival of remembrance and a time to party.
For Mexicans, the return of the departed is an occasion for celebration with family and friends. Colourful altars are set up across Mexico. At Wellcome Collection, Sir Henry Wellcome (the founder of the Wellcome Trust) will be remembered with an altar decorated in traditional fashion: with marigold flowers representing the sun, sugar skulls symbolising immortality, bread and water for sustenance after the long journey from Mictlán, and candles and a path of flowers to guide the soul.
The Day of the Dead is at Wellcome Collection on Saturday 5 November and will feature musicians, artists, storytellers for adults and children, poetry, dancing, craft, films, mask-making, and spectacular food. The party runs from 12.00 to 17.00.
Day of the Dead is a drop-in event and is free for all.
