Learn About and Celebrate 'Dia De Los Muertos'

In the continuation of the new Saturday activity series and as part of month-long activities relating to Halloween, the Utah State University Museum of Anthropology will provide guests with information about a holiday in many parts of the world, the Day of the Dead.


Activities take place Saturday, Oct. 13. Guests will learn about observances of a holiday often mistaken or associated with Halloween. The holiday traces its origins back to indigenous cultures that include the Aztecs.

 

“It’s a celebration of both life and death,” said museum coordinator Sara Lundberg. “The mood is much brighter, and there is special emphasis on honoring the lives of the deceased and celebrating our own lives.”

 

In addition to learning about the holiday, guests will be able to participate in many of the handicrafts that are associated with it. A part of the observance is making things to decorate the graves of loved ones and remember them. Paper flowers, candy skulls, puppets and paper flags are important personal gifts to the living or offerings to the dead.

 

USU students and members of the public can drop in any time during the museum’s new 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday hours. Adults and children alike are invited to participate in these learning activities. Activities for all ages will be provided.

 

Also taking place Saturday, Oct. 13, are USU’s Aggie Family Day, sponsored by the Alumni Association, and Parent and Family Weekend activities sponsored by the office of Retention and First-Year Experience. Activities on the Quad include games, clinics, food and more. Plans include educational and hands-on activities provided by USU’s academic colleges and departments. The Museum of Anthropology will have a booth on the Quad from noon to 3 p.m.

 

The 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 (435) 797-7545, or visit the museum Web site.

 

 

 

Contact: Sara Lundberg (435) 797-7545
Source: Museum of Anthropology