Sunday, October 29, noon – 5 p.m.
Figge Art Museum, 225 West Second Street, Davenport IA
Presented in conjunction with its current exhibition Celebrating Day of the Dead, on display through December 17, the Figge will treat visitors to October 29's Day of the Dead Family Fiesta, an all-ages celebration of the Mexican holiday boasting live performances and hands-on art activities.
Scholars have traced the origins of the modern Day of the Dead holiday to indigenous observances dating back hundreds of years, and to an ancient Aztec festival dedicated to the goddess Mictecacihuatl. Celebrated throughout Mexico, in particular the Central and South regions, and by people of Mexican ancestry living elsewhere in the world, the multi-day holiday – also known as Día de los Muertos – focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember loved ones who have died, and help support their spiritual journeys.
Celebrating Day of the Dead delves into the history, myth, and magic of this national holiday through paintings and Mexican artifacts, enabling Figge guests to learn about the culture and explore the art and ethos surrounding this increasingly popular cultural event. The Day of the Dead Family Fiesta, meanwhile, will feature live performances from Quad Cities Ballet Folklorico and the Glenview Mariachi Band; authentic Mexican cuisine such as tamales and pans de muerto (sweet rolls traditionally served during the holiday); face-painting and other art projects for children; and galleries filled with large-scale etchings known as catrinas.
The Figge's Day of the Dead Family Festival is free with $4-7 museum admission, and more information on the event and the Celebrating Day of the Dead exhibit is available by calling (563)326-7804 or visiting FiggeArtMuseum.org.
