Exhibit: Dia de los Muertos at Tohono Chul Park

Wednesday, 07 September 2011 21:00

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In early November, an annual tradition begins to stir in the communities of Mexico. This tradition is called Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Colorful skeletons grace the streets, while candles and sweets are put onto community altars. Dia de los Muertos is a time to celebrate life and death, and to honor those who have passed.

Tohono Chul Park is having a Dia de los Muertos exhibit from Sept. 1 to Nov. 6. Located in the park's main gallery, the exhibit displays artwork created by many local artists who want to help spread the tradition of Dia de los Muertos.

Ben Johnson, curator of exhibitions at Tohono Chul Park, organized the exhibit and artwork. He has an appreciation for the Mexican holiday and has done his homework on the topic.

"The more I research the Dia de los Muertos the more I get involved with it," said Johnson. "Dia de los Muertos is a celebration of life and that death is a part of life."

The tradition of Dia de los Muertos has grown and expanded globally. Tucson is a great example of a city that has fully embraced the tradition. For example, the All Souls Procession that takes place in Tucson every year is full of festivities that incorporate the same art styles of Dia de los Muertos.

The centerpiece of the Tohono Chul exhibit displays an altar, or ofrenda, created by local artist Lidia Teran-Cooper. The altars vary from region to region in Mexico. For example, Southern Mexico tends to have much more elaborate altars than those in Northern Mexico. Artist Lidia Teran-Cooper hails from Northern Mexico, so the altar she created for the exhibit is akin to an expanded home altar.

Tradition tells that on the first night of the holiday people put sweets and candies on the altar to give to the children coming back to our world for Dia de los Muertos. The second night, the adults come back, which is when tequila and rich foods are put on the altar. Candles are also a key component.

"We invite all visitors to the gallery to leave a photo, object or card in remembrance of their lost ones," said Johnson.

Written by Kevin Prosise You are reading Exhibit: Dia de los Muertos at Tohono Chul Park articles

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