Free Día de los Muertos Event Offers Performances and Activities
The Delaware Art Museum presents the fifth annual Día de los Muertos: Desde la Raiz event on Saturday, October 29, 2022, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Doors open at 10 a.m. Guests of all ages can experience a variety of free activities, such as performances by Danza Azteca del Anahuac, Ballet Folklorico Mexico, Mariachi Arrieros de Mexico, Eclipse Solar, Ms. Lili, and Seylin Abarca, a singer and middle school student from Cab Calloway School of the Arts. La Catrinamia, the skeletal embodiment of a well-to-do woman who has passed, will also be a presence at the outdoor event, and guests can participate in a labyrinth walk and contribute pictures of loved ones to ofrendas. New in 2022 will be a display of chromed bikes from Champions Lowriders Club.
Community Engagement Specialist Iz Balleto says, “Everything that’s being put together is from our roots—desde la raiz. We are incorporating folklore traditions in order to be as authentic as can be, from the people who are performing to the ceremony that kicks off the event.”
“We continue to be grateful that the Museum keeps open its doors to the Indigenous community so that we can properly educate people on traditions.” He adds, “The elements of Día de los Muertos are widely available in popular culture, and this season is a regular reminder of how important it is for us to demonstrate that Día de los Muertos is not just a party, it’s a ceremony.”
Día de los Muertos is observed in Mexico and other countries in the days leading up to All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, and, therefore, is often conflated with Halloween traditions. However, the holiday combines the celebration of those who have passed with reverence for the act of mourning, and is neither scary nor prank-oriented.
One of Delaware’s top influencers, Laura Leos, will emcee the activities, which commence at 11:11 a.m. with an Aztec fire ceremony.
Traditional arts and crafts activities and vendors will participate, including artwork by Cesar Viveros.
Indigenous food vendors, including Raspados Bayu and Tamalex Restaurant, will be on site, with options that include vegetarian dishes. Beverages will be available for sale, but alcohol will not be sold at this event.
Although this is a free event, it consistently reaches full capacity, therefore, registration is strongly encouraged. To register, or for more information on the event, visit our website. In the event of bad weather, the program will be moved indoors.
This program is supported through a grant from the TD Charitable Foundation. This event is sponsored by the Center for Interventional Pain and Spine, Nuestras Raices, Guerrilla Republik, and Hoy en Delaware. This organization is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com.
About the Delaware Art Museum
For over 100 years, the Museum has served as a primary arts and cultural institution in Delaware. It is alive with experiences, discoveries, and activities to connect people with art and with each other. Originally created in 1912 to honor the renowned illustrator and Wilmington-native, Howard Pyle, the Museum’s collection has grown to over 12,000 works of art in our building and sculpture garden. Also recognized for British Pre-Raphaelite art, the Museum is home to the most comprehensive Pre-Raphaelite collection on display outside of the United Kingdom, and a growing collection of significant contemporary art.
Under the leadership of our Board of Trustees, the Delaware Art Museum is implementing a comprehensive approach to community and civic engagement. This exciting new strategic direction requires that we increase our value and relevance to all audiences. Visit delart.org to for the latest exhibitions, programs, and performances or connect with us via social media.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Día de los Muertos: Desde la Raiz
WHEN: Saturday, October 29, 2022, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Doors Open at 10 a.m.
WHERE: Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, Del. 19806
COST: Free, Registration Required
INFO: delart.org
Photograph by Shannon Woodloe.