Music, dance, cultural performances and Catrina parade are highlights of Day of the Dead

INDIANAPOLIS — The public is invited to attend one of the largest local celebrations of Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art on Saturday, Oct. 29. The museum will be open extended hours, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and admission is free; no tickets are necessary.

The Día de Muertos Community Celebration features an action-packed day of music and dance performances, artists, art-making activities for families, a Mercado (marketplace of vendors) and a parade of Catrinas, who are elaborately dressed and painted models inspired by Jose Posada’s print La Calavera Catrina.

With roots going back thousands of years to Indigenous traditions in Mexico, Día de Muertos is a time to gather together to remember and celebrate friends and relatives who have passed on. Also called Day of the Dead, the holiday has evolved into a diverse festival, celebrated not only in Mexico but in the U.S. and many other countries.

Among the presenters and performance groups this year are Marvin Urroz, Meztli Cultural, Mariachi Sol Jalisciense, Son Monarca, Coro Latinoamericano de Christ Church Cathedral, Grupo Folclórico Macehuani and Ballet Folklorico Mosaicos. A complete schedule of performances is found at Eiteljorg.org/DiadeMuertos. During the event, artist in residence Richard Gabriel of Tijeras, New Mexico, will demonstrate his traditional Spanish Colonial tinwork. Guests who attend the celebration also can visit the Eiteljorg Museum’s other galleries and its children’s discovery area that are included in the free admission Saturday, Oct. 29.

Coinciding with the celebration is the Día de Muertos Community Art and Altar exhibit, open and free to visit during regular museum hours through Nov. 4. Located in the Eiteljorg’s Ruth Lilly Auditorium, the exhibit features beautiful, intricate ofrendas, or altars, curated by local community groups, such as the Consulado de México en Indianápolis, the Indianapolis Central Library, Mujeres Conectadas en Indy and Christ Church Cathedral, among others. There is a community altar where visitors can drop a note for departed loved ones. Also in the space is a Calacas exhibition curated by Mexico City-based illustrator Daniela Martín del Campo.

The Día de Muertos Community Celebration at the Eiteljorg was co-created with Eduardo Luna of the Latiné arts group Arte Mexicano en Indiana The partnership between the Eiteljorg and Arte Mexicano en Indiana recently was acknowledged with the ARTI Award for Community Partnership by the Indy Arts Council.

The Día de Muertos Community Celebration is presented by Arte Mexicano en Indiana and Citizens Energy Group, and sponsored by Nopal Cultural, Consulado de México en Indianápolis, The Indianapolis Foundation (a CICF affiliate), GangGang, the Indy Arts Council and the Indiana Arts Commission.

Learn more at Eiteljorg.org/DiadeMuertos or Eiteljorg.org/DayoftheDead.

About the Eiteljorg
A cultural pillar for 33 years in downtown Indianapolis’ scenic White River State Park, the Eiteljorg Museum seeks to inspire an appreciation and understanding of the arts, histories and cultures of the Native peoples of North America and of the American West by telling amazing stories. Located on the Central Canal at 500 West Washington St., the Eiteljorg is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

Image Credits
File images of the Día de Muertos Community Celebration are courtesy of the Eiteljorg Museum.

Media Contacts
Bryan Corbin
Public Relations Manager
317.275.1315
bcorbin@eiteljorg.com

Bert Beiswanger
Director of Marketing and Communications
317.275.1317
bbeiswanger@eiteljorg.com

Dani Vasquez
Digital Marketing Manager
317.275.1388
dvasquez@eiteljorg.com

Brooke Sullivan
Digital Marketing Specialist
317.275.1367
bsullivan@eiteljorg.com