Events Calendar

November 3
Saturday, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
World Culture Afternoon
Day of the Dead Celebration

You're invited to celebrate Mexican culture and the tradition of Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) with the Penn Museum! Bring the whole family to enjoy this afternoon filled with music, storytelling, arts & crafts, and other fun activities. Marvel at a traditional Mexican Day of the Dead Altar, created specially for the event by renowned artist Cesar Viveros, and learn about the various dedications placed upon the ofrenda (altar). The celebration is cosponsored by the Mexican Cultural Center.

At 1:00 pm, members of Penn international student group MEChA talk about how their cultures celebrate this special day. At 1:30 and 3:30, dancers from local group Fuego Nuevo perform a new Maya-themed dance and movement presentation; at 3:30, they are joined by cultural group Casa Monarca for a presentation about Dia de los Muertos traditions. And at 2:45, storyteller Veronica Ponce de Leon shares a special story, "El Cenote Encantado"—a legend from the Yucatan.

Throughout the day, kids and families can have their faces painted for the celebration, and enjoy a sugar skull-making workshop. This event is free with Museum admission. For more information, call 215.898.2680; for the full press release, click here.