Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead as it is known in English, is a Mexican holiday that takes place on the 1st and 2nd of November every year to remember and honour family, friends and ancestors who have departed, thus celebrating the connection between life and death. It is one of the most relevant representations of Mexico’s living heritage and in 2008, UNESCO added the holiday to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
For 2022, the installation will take inspiration from the migration patterns of the majestic Monarch butterflies. In November each year thousands of Monarch butterflies arrive in central Mexico, after travelling from the south of Canada and the north of United States of America.
The Mexican community believe that these butterflies are the souls of their departed loved ones who have returned for the Día de Muertos celebrations. Visitors to the National Museum will see a towering 3-level pyramid decorated with more than 5,000 colourful handmade flowers, over 5000 paper monarch butterflies, 3.5m of blue papel picado (paper flags) significant of the celebration as well as other decorations placed on the pyramid and around the installation.
Organised by the Embassy of Mexico In collaboration with the Mexican Association of Singapore and La Jacaranda Venue Supporter, the National Museum of Singapore.
Join us for a special series of programmes held in conjunction with the exhibition!
Venue: The Salon, Level 1 | Free Admission
All tours will be conducted in English. Admission to the tours is free and on a first-come-first-served basis. No prior registration is required.
Saturday, 26 Nov Programmes
11am: Gather Around, Kids! Explaining the Day of the Dead to Children
by Mrs Dorys Fierro, Guide, Mexican Association of Singapore
Volunteer guide Mrs Dorys Fierro will bring children on an exploration of the Day of
the Dead altar and explain its components and its significance. Suitable for children
aged 12 and below.
12pm: Salud! The Importance of Beverages in the Dead of the Dead Celebrations
by Gerson Garduño. Trade Commissioner, Embassy of Mexico
Drinks are an important part of Day of the Dead celebrations. Gerson will touch on
the significance of chocolate, tequila and mezcal, some of which hailed from as far
back as the pre-Columbian era. Come and discover the significance of different
beverages at this intangible cultural heritage celebration from Mexico.
No drinks will be served. Suitable for all ages.
2pm: Celebration of Life: The Importance of Migration
by His Excellency Agustín García-López Loaeza, Ambassador of Mexico to
Singapore
This tour looks at how migrants have contributed to building cities, creating countries
and empires as well as how migration has contributed to the exchange of key goods
such as spices, vegetables and art which has led to the development of global trade. Suitable for all ages.
3pm: A Feast for the Dead! Food and Sweets Displayed on the Day of the Dead Altar
by Sebastian Álvarez, Mexican Chef @ TLAXOA
A guided tour explaining the infamous “Pan de Muertos” (special bread) and its origins, as well as the significance of different food and candies prepared during the festival. Suitable for all ages.
4pm: The Essence of the Day of the Dead Exhibition: The Altar and the Traditions of Day of the Dead
by Lidia Riveros, Curator, Magic Migrations: Day of the Dead
A guided tour on the concept and the making of the Day of the Dead: Magic Migrations installation. Lidia will share details and insights related to some of the behind-the-scenes preparations that began months before its opening. Suitable for all ages.
5pm: ¿Hablas español? Day of the Dead for beginners
by Nelly Delgado, Spanish Tutor, Spanish Studio Language School
Join Ms Nelly Delgado as she shares the significance of the Day of the Dead celebrations. There will also be a sharing of basic Spanish words during the tour. Suitable for adults.
Sunday, 27 Nov Programmes
1pm: Magic Migrations, Music & Tradition
by Katya Anaya, Spouse of the Ambassador of Mexico to Singapore
It is believed that Monarch butterflies represent the souls of departed loved ones. Madam Katya will speak on the history of the migration of the Monarch butterflies and the beliefs related to their existence. She will also touch on the music played during the celebrations as well as the importance of iconic elements that aid the transition of departed souls into the afterlife. Suitable for all ages.
2pm: Gather Around, Kids! Explaining the Day of the Dead to Children
by Mrs Dorys Fierro, Guide, Mexican Association of Singapore
Volunteer guide Mrs Dorys Fierro will bring children on an exploration of the Day of the Dead altar and explain its components and its significance. Suitable for children aged 12 and below.
2.30pm: Long, Long Time Ago, on an Altar Far, Far Away
by Mrs. Elda Webb, Mexican Storyteller
Embark on a Magic Migration with us! Come and listen to the story of the butterfly who was looking for a place to share the amazing new things she could do and how those who hear her call, journey with her to find a new place to call home. Just like the Aztecs who migrated years ago, there are many reasons influencing one’s decision to migrate. Suitable for children aged 12 and below.
3.30pm: Celebration of Life: The Importance of Migration
by His Excellency Agustín García-López Loaeza, Ambassador of Mexico to Singapore
This tour looks at how migrants have contributed to building cities, creating countries and empires as well as how migration has contributed to the exchange of key goods such as spices, vegetables and art which has led to the development of global trade. Suitable for all ages.
5pm: A Feast for the Dead! Food and Sweets Displayed on the Day of the Dead Altar
by Sebastian Álvarez, Mexican Chef @ TLAXOA
A guided tour explaining the infamous “Pan de Muertos” (special bread) and its origins, as well as the significance of different food and candies prepared during the festival. Suitable for all ages.
