Day of the Dead at the Weltmuseum Wien

The Day of the Dead – Día de Muertos – is not only a Mexican holiday of drinking and eating, celebrating, and dancing. In many regions of Mexico, large processions with masked dancers parade through the streets. We want to celebrate this day at the Weltmuseum Wien, you will learn about the customs of Día de Muertos and are invited to join in the celebration and dance.

La Ofrenda by Stephany Rodríguez Cabañas

Las Ofrendas – traditional altars of the dead or gift tables in homes – are the center of Día de Muertos celebrations. They are set with food and drink, flowers and personal mementos. The dead are expected to strengthen themselves after their long journey from the realm of the dead and to take some of the gifts back with them. Photos of the deceased, candles and incense are meant to remind people of times shared.

On the night of November 1, the souls of the deceased are received in the home, after which the farewell takes place in the cemeteries. There, people eat food they brought with them, drink, play music and dance. At midnight it is time for the deceased to return to the afterlife. The feast is over until the dead come back the next year.

The artist Stephany Rodríguez Cabañas has created an Ofrenda for the Weltmuseum Wien, which can be seen free of charge in the Hall of Columns from October 26 to November 7.

Performance ‘Por el Camino de las Ánimas – The Way of the Souls’ by Hena Moreno Corzo, theater workshop of the Instituto Cultural de México en Viena ICM & Ameyallis

The participants of the dance workshop on 24 October & 31 October parade to the altar in the columned hall and present a dance of the dead under the direction of Hena Moreno Corzo. They are joined by the figures of Stephany Rodríguez Cabañas known as Mojigangas.

This show turns into a performance in which all visitors can participate! Experience a little muerteada and celebrate with us!

The Mexican folkloric dancers of the group Ameyalli, founded in 2019 and directed by Martha Martínez de Gilits, is dedicated to spreading Mexican dance culture.

The theater workshop of the Instituto Cultural de México en Viena consists of Moisés Rodríguez, Ana Cristina Rodríguez Hermosillo, Inés Laske-Rodríguez, Katia Pérez Guzmán and Azalea Ortega.

In cooperation with the Mexican Cultural Institute.

Duration: 180 min.
Admission: free (no museum ticket required)
No registration
Meeting point: Hall of Columns