Mexico's Day of the Dead explored in Elgin exhibit

The Elgin Public Museum, 225 Grand Blvd., will host a new temporary exhibition exploring the history and significance of Day of the Dead celebrations in Oaxaca, a southern region of Mexico. The opening of the exhibit will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 30.

Federal Court Judge Manuel Barbosa will officially open "A Celebration of Souls: Day of the Dead in Southern Mexico." Running through mid-August, the exhibit uses 26 stunning photographs to capture a typical Oaxacan Day of the Dead. Special programming is planned throughout the summer.

Each Nov. 1 and 2, on the Christian holidays of All Saint's Day and All Soul's Day, families in villages across Mexico gather to welcome home the visiting spirits of departed relatives on the Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead). Mexicans prepare for the celebration - which often includes decorating burial plots, lively family reunions, and the preparation of special foods - for weeks in advance, decorating altars in honor of the deceased with skeleton models, elaborate wreaths and crosses, votive lights, and fresh seasonal flowers. Traditionally, Nov. 1 is set aside for remembrance of deceased infants, or angelitos, and those who have died as adults are honored on Nov. 2.

The photographs in "A Celebration of Souls: Day of the Dead" in Southern Mexico show villagers immersed in all aspects of the celebration, preparing centuries-old recipes for the departed to enjoy, scattering trails of marigolds to guide the dead home, and offering chocolate and pan de muerto (bread of the dead) at community gatherings. This annual celebration is commemorated in photographs of candlelit home altars, public processions and rich offerings of food, including a row of solid chocolate skulls.

"A Celebration of Souls: Day of the Dead in Southern Mexico" is free, but donations to the museum are greatly appreciated. The Elgin Public Museum is open noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, beginning May 26. For information call the Elgin Public Museum at (847) 741-6655.

This exhibition was developed by The Field Museum in collaboration with Mars Inc. Local sponsors include Elgin Parks and Recreation Department, Judson University, LULAC Council 5236, the city of Elgin and other community groups and volunteers.