Day of the Dead at the Weltmuseum Wien

The Day of the Dead – Día de Muertos – is not only a Mexican holiday of drinking and eating, celebrating, and dancing. In many regions of Mexico, large processions with masked dancers parade through the streets. We want to celebrate this day at the Weltmuseum Wien, you will learn about the customs of Día de Muertos and are invited to join in the celebration and dance.

La Ofrenda by Stephany Rodríguez Cabañas

Las Ofrendas – traditional altars of the dead or gift tables in homes – are the center of Día de Muertos celebrations. They are set with food and drink, flowers and personal mementos. The dead are expected to strengthen themselves after their long journey from the realm of the dead and to take some of the gifts back with them. Photos of the deceased, candles and incense are meant to remind people of times shared.

On the night of November 1, the souls of the deceased are received in the home, after which the farewell takes place in the cemeteries. There, people eat food they brought with them, drink, play music and dance. At midnight it is time for the deceased to return to the afterlife. The feast is over until the dead come back the next year.

The artist Stephany Rodríguez Cabañas has created an Ofrenda for the Weltmuseum Wien, which can be seen free of charge in the Hall of Columns from October 28 to November 2.

Programme

The members of the Ameyalli dance group parade to the altar in the Hall of Columns and perform a dance of death. They are joined by the well-known mojigangas, artfully crafted by Stephany Rodríguez Cabañas.

This is followed by a concert with Neivi Martinez and María Baez, accompanied by the group Mariachi Sin Fronteras. Finally, this performance transitions into a celebration, a Muerteada, in which all guests can participate!

In cooperation with the Mexican Cultural Institute.

After Party

Afterwards, there will be an opportunity to continue the celebrations at the Mexican restaurant Comal.
You can find all the information and details here.

Participation €16 (event ticket including museum admission)
Limited space, reservations are required.
Guests with a valid admission ticket, KHM annual pass or Bundesmuseen-Card can obtain a free event ticket here.

Please note that on this day, a museum ticket is required to visit the cook café & bistro and the special exhibition Colonialsm on the Window Sill.

Please note that photos and video recordings will be made in the course of this event for purposes of publicity and documentation (GDPR, Article 6 (1) (f)). Pursuant to Article 21 of the GDPR, you have the right to object to this processing of data at any time. If you have such a request, please ideally inform a staff member on site. Detailed information is provided in our privacy policy.