Celebrate Dia de los Muertos at the USU Museum of Anthropology

As the Museum of Anthropology’s “Saturdays at the Museum” Series at Utah State University continues, visitors will learn about observances of Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, a Mexican holiday often mistaken with Halloween that traces its origins back to the Aztec culture of Mesoamerica. Activities take place Saturday, Nov. 1.

In addition to learning about the holiday, guests can participate in some of its traditions. Visitors will have an opportunity to decorate a sugar skull, make a calaveras (dancing skeleton) and collect recipes.

 

“Day of the Dead is actually more closely aligned with Memorial Day,” said museum intern Katie Kirkham. “But rather than being a time of sadness, it is a time of celebration of the transition and continuation from life to death.”

 

Costumes are welcome during the USU activity.

 

USU students and members of the public are invited to the museum any time during the 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday hours.

 

The USU Museum of Anthropology is on the USU campus in the south turret of the historic Old Main building, Room 252. Free parking is available in the adjacent lot, south of the building. For more information on this event, call museum staff at (435) 797-7545 or visit the museum Web site.