UTRGV Anthropology Professor and Ballet Folklórico to Add Culture and Lore to IMAS Dia de los Muertos Festival

Texas Border Business

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McAllen, TX- Each year the International Museum of Art & Science celebrates Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, on a grand scale with community altars, cultural activities, a Catrina contest, and entertainment. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Department of Anthropology and UTRGV Ballet Folklorico will be participating again this year to add entertainment and a dimension of learning. The museum will come alive on the Day of the Dead, Saturday, November 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. with a colorful celebration!

Dr. Servando Z. Hinojosa, a faculty member of the Department of Anthropology at UTRGV, presents a special lecture “Mexico, Bones, and Life” at 2:00 p.m. Dr. Hinojosa specializes in Mesoamerica and folk-art medicine and is the coordinator of the Anthropology Forum at the IMAS. 

Mexico has for many years been associated with skulls and skeletal images. These make up a large part of its visual and archaeological inventory, but why have people in the past used these symbols, and how has their meaning endured? This presentation will walk through some of the skeletal pages of Mexico’s past and address these questions.

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Claudia Martinez, Director of Education at the IMAS, states, “I always look forward to the festive costumes and fun hands-on activities. Planning the Día de los Muertos Festival has even brought me closer to my Mexican roots. There is much to learn about the holiday’s symbolism. Both events make for an enjoyable time for visitors of all ages.” 

Additionally, the UTRGV Ballet Folklorico will be performing at 3:00 p.m. during the festival. This thirty-two member organization is comprised of UTRGV students and will add spectacular flare to the cultural performances throughout the event.

Entertainment at the Dia de los Muertos Festival includes Chulita Vinyl Club at 11:00 a.m., a Catrina contest at 12:00 p.m., and UTRGV Ballet Folklórico at 3:00 p.m. along with a performance by Mujer RGV, storytimes, dancing skeleton craft, games including lotería and giant chess, and the Altar de Muertos exhibit. Those interested in participating in the Catrina contest can download an entry form on the website at https://theimasonline.org/welcome/cultural-series/ and return by November 1, at 5:00 p.m.

Dia de los Muertos activities, UTRGV folklorico performance, and Dr. Hinojosa’s lecture are all included in the cost of General Admission and free for IMAS Members. WIC and EBT cardholders can attend the museum for $1 per person. Visitors can paint calavera art, view community altars on display, learn about skeletons, and make a traditional sugar skull ($3 per participant), and explore our fine galleries. A vendor market will be on site with handmade goods and traditional pieces, rebozos, a face painter, and delicious food and snacks.

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