The Illinois State Museum will host a Day of the Dead Family Day from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, in Springfield, featuring arts and crafts, community partner tables, musical performances and food.
The museum's annual "Ofrenda" exhibition, celebrating Día de los Muertos, will also be open for viewing during the event, according to the museum.
"Day of the Dead has become an annual tradition at ISM," said Jenn Edginton, the museum's director. "It's an opportunity for Illinoisians to come together to learn more about Latine culture and celebrations through experiencing them firsthand."
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Latin American holiday observed Nov. 1-2 that celebrates and honors deceased loved ones. Traditions often include ofrendas, or altars, as well as music, food and joyful gatherings.
"Day of the Dead celebrates and honors the spirits of our loved ones," said Corinne Claycomb, the museum's curator of art and history education. "It allows us to connect with the people who helped shape our lives and pay tribute to their accomplishments, their individual stories, and what made them so special. It commemorates the cycle of life and the interconnectedness of our identities and memories."
The program is supported in part by the Illinois State Museum Society.
If you go
- What: Day of the Dead Family Day
- When: 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1
- Where: Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., Springfield
- Admission: Free
The museum is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. More information is available at the museum's website, illinoisstatemuseum.org.
Established in 1877, the Illinois State Museum is headquartered in Springfield with branch facilities in Lewistown and Lockport.
Source: the original release