This is a cultural and religious tradition in Mexico, where it's a national bank holiday the day after another holiday, All Saint's Day (ASD is Halloween, October 31).
The museum used corridors and hallways to allow the erection of the altars, and these altars honored real people; soldiers and sailors, and one teenage woman who had died of suspected suicide resulting from gang violence and bullying, accord to the testimony to her on her altar. The altars are so colorful and beautiful. Sugar skulls and favorite foods and beverages of the deceased sit next to candles, pictures of the virgin Mary, and Marigolds.
Skulls have been collected by ancient people of Mexico for 3000 years, and used to symbolize death and rebirth. Skeletons are often clothed and hatted, carrying flowers, guitars, or other possessions they might be remembered by. I think the art is lovely, poignant and vibrant. The dead are remembered happily, humorously and with good spirits, so it isn't a sad affair.
I think the whole celebration is largely misunderstood by the average Caucasian American, who may see it as ghostly or macabre. But if one looks closely, one sees the Christian crosses, Rosemary beads, and pictures of Christ and patron Saints. One sees letters hand-written by servicemen (now deceased); their letters making it home, but the men did not. Individuals, school groups, centers for non-violence, and Erin's House for grieving children all sponsored different displays; each unique, personal and lovely.
Somehow I am really touched by the bottles of beverages laid out in honor of the deceased - do the spirits come back to be tempted by worldly pleasures of Mexican sodas and juices in bottles, the Cervesa or even tequila? Can a can of Coca-cola conjure a ghost? Perhaps next year I will be inspired to make my own altar, Hispanic or not (I am not). Somehow, though, it speaks to me, and it's fun to go downtown to the lovely modern architecture of the FWMoA. It's closed on Mondays and holidays. Admission is free every Sunday and Thursday.
