Altar de muertos

Museo Anahuacalli celebrates its 60th anniversary with a Day of the Dead ofrenda.

This year's ofrenda is a collective work, curated and museographically assembled by Karla Niño de Rivera, curator of the Museo Anahuacalli, together with the team of collaborators from the different areas of the museum. In this altar, visitors will find elements linked to the art and life of Diego Rivera: references to his collection of pre-Hispanic pieces, cultural elements of the area of San Pablo Tepetlapa, where the museum is located, and a look at the people and elements that have been part of this space over the years. The result is an ofrenda that invites reflection and remembrance, highlighting Diego's connection to Mexican popular culture and its roots.

The Day of the Dead is one of the most important and deeply rooted festivities in our culture. Of pre-Hispanic origin, this tradition mixes elements of the Mexica, Mayan and other indigenous civilizations, with diverse rites. Through the altars of the dead, Mexican families remember their loved ones who have passed away, offering them food, drinks and objects they enjoyed in life, with the belief that during November 1 and 2, their souls return to the world of the living to be celebrated.

The ofrenda at the Anahuacalli is a perfect example of this cultural fusion. With marigold flowers, papel picado, candles and other traditional elements, the ofrenda is a space of memory and celebration of life and death, two concepts deeply intertwined in the Mexican cosmovision.

Diego Rivera, known for his love of Mexican folk art and his vast knowledge of pre-Hispanic traditions, left a legacy that transcends beyond his murals and artwork. His collection of more than 50,000 pre-Hispanic pieces reflects his passion for Mexican history and his desire to preserve the country's cultural memory. This year's ofrenda is a continuation of that legacy, using elements that evoke both his artistic work and his connection to Mexican traditions.

In addition, the San Pablo Tepetlapa area in Coyoacán has witnessed the growth of the museum and has been home to generations that have been part of the Anahuacalli's development.

With this offering, homage is paid not only to Diego Rivera, but also to the community that has been part of this cultural space.

The offering will be located inside Diego's pyramid, bathed by the colors of the cempasúchil flowers and the lights of the candles, creating a mystical atmosphere. Visitors will be able to walk through it while exploring every corner of the museum.

This offering will be presented in parallel with the Cacao for All Festival, which will be held from October 31 to November 3 at the museum, expanding the cultural and gastronomic offerings for our visitors.

The Anahuacalli Museum invites the public to be part of this celebration; the offering will be from October 30 to December 1, from Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 17:30 hours. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or through the museum's website; remember that with the entrance ticket to the Frida Kahlo Museum you have a courtesy to visit the Anahuacalli.

–Anahuacalli Museum