The World in Between: Ancient Roots of Día de los Muertos
The World in Between: Ancient Roots of Día de los Muertos
Presented by the MFAH and Archaeology Now
The days surrounding Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) transcend worlds: the worlds of the living and the dead; the worlds of Europe and Latin America; and the worlds of today and yesterday.
Día de los Muertos is a loving, glorious celebration of life and death. The holiday originated among the ancient Mesoamerican peoples, who emphasized honoring their ancestors, and the commemoration now blends indigenous celebrations with teachings of Catholicism. In this lecture, Javier Urcid of Brandeis University explores the rituals and the many meanings of a tradition in which the veil separating worlds is thin, when perhaps it is possible to symbolically commune with loved ones on the night their souls return for a visit. A performance by the Ambassadors International Ballet Folklorico is also featured.
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Plan Your Visit This program takes place in Brown Auditorium Theater on the lower level of the Law Building. Seating is first come, first served.
Safety Guidelines In the interest of your personal safety and community health, please observe all precautions set forth by the MFAH—learn more here.
About the Program
Archaeology Now is the Houston-based affiliate of the Archaeological Institute of America. Javier Urcid, the Jane’s Chair Professor of Latin American Studies at Brandeis University in Massachusetts, teaches archaeology, material culture, and Mesoamerican civilizations.
Learning and Interpretation programs receive generous funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services; Samuel H. Kress Foundation; The Brown Foundation, Inc.; Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo; Houston Junior Woman’s Club; Sharon G. Dies; Sterling-Turner Foundation; Susan Vaughan Foundation; and additional generous donors.