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Weltmuseum Vienna Celebrates Day of the Dead with Colorful Altar and Workshops

Discover the beauty of the Day of the Dead at the Weltmuseum. Join workshops, enjoy performances, and learn about this UNESCO-recognized tradition.

In this image I can see memorials carved on the wall. Also there are flower bouquets.
In this image I can see memorials carved on the wall. Also there are flower bouquets.

Weltmuseum Vienna Celebrates Day of the Dead with Colorful Altar and Workshops

The Weltmuseum in Vienna is honouring one of Mexico's most significant holidays, the Day of the Dead, with a colourful altar crafted by artist Stephany Rodríguez Cabañas. The exhibition, running until April, showcases modern textile art from Mexico, and visitors can participate in a hands-on dyeing workshop.

Central to the Day of the Dead celebrations is the ofrenda, an altar designed to welcome the spirits of the departed. The Weltmuseum's altar is adorned with floral arrangements, painted skulls (calaveras), skeletal figures (calacas), food, and drink. On November 2, the museum will offer a symbolic journey called Camino de Alma, along with dance performances and music to celebrate the holiday.

The Day of the Dead, inscribed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2023, is one of Mexico’s most important holidays, steeped in tradition. An exhibition at Vienna’s Latin America Institute, 'To Hell with the Devil', explores the Day of the Dead's pre-Hispanic, religious, and cultural roots. Unlike previous years, no institution has been reported to formally inaugurate the Day of the Dead in Austria on November 2, 2023.

The Weltmuseum's participation in the Day of the Dead festivities offers Austrians a unique opportunity to learn about and engage with this vibrant Mexican tradition. The museum's altar and accompanying events are expected to draw visitors interested in culture, art, and history.

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