American Indian Museum Día de los Muertos

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a time for commemorating our ancestors. Rather than a period of mourning, it is an occasion for celebrating with family—both living and dead—and honoring the cycle of life. Enjoy family-friendly activities throughout the day, including dance performances, artist and food demonstrations, coloring activities, and paper marigold and mask making. Visitors are invited to leave photos and mementos of their loved ones on the ofrenda (altar) or commemorate them by writing their names on a butterfly to attach to the memorial arch. 11 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, and 3:30 PM: Dance Performances by Grupo los Tecuanes The name of the Danza de los Tecuanes (Dance of the Jaguar) is rooted in the Mixtec understanding of the duality of life and death and the fight of good against evil. The Danza de los Viejitos (Dance of the Old Men) is a humorous dance featuring dancers colorfully dressed as old men. 2:30 PM: The Xoloitzcuintli: Ancient Dog Breed to Movie Celebrity NMAI folklorist Cynthia Vid­aurri presents a talk on the xoloitzcuintli, commonly referred to as the Mexican hairless, an ancient dog breed that is deeply engrained in the culture and cosmologies of Mexico’s original peoples. These dogs were believed to be companions in life and in the afterlife, guiding souls to their final resting place. The character Dante in the Disney/Pixar animated film Coco introduced xolos to people outside Mexico and became a fan favorite. The breed was on the verge of ex­tinction but has made a dra­matic comeback, and today is recognized as a sym­bol of Mexico.

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American Indian Museum Día de los Muertos

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