Entertainment, Lifestyle, News, Press Releases - Friday, October 30, 2009 8:00 - 0 Comments

Experience El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Cultural Celebration and Exhibition at Navy Pier

Event features Nahui Ollin Ceremonial Dancers, Son Del Viento, Ofrenda Installation and Traditional Craft Activities

Navy Pier is partnering with the National Museum of Mexican Art to present El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a cultural celebration and exhibition to honor the departed, taking place Nov. 1 through Nov. 4 from 11am to 5pm in Navy Pier’s Crystal Gardens.

The public is invited to participate in the four-day event, which features live music, crafts and elaborate ofrendas (altars) designed by prominent artists.

The festivities kick off at noon Sunday with live performances from the Nahui Ollin Ceremonial Dancers and the Son Del Viento music group. Experience the living tradition of Mesoamerica with Nahui Ollin as they present pre-Hispanic traditions of central Mexico.

Then, join Son Del Viento as they interpret traditional jarocho music, with occasional currents of reggae, cumbia or blues, bringing expression to the Windy City.

“Navy Pier’s participation in cultural events, such as “El Dia de los Muertos,” is our way of celebrating the history, heritage and ethnic diversity that make Chicago one of the world’s greatest cities,” said Juan A. Ochoa, Chief Executive Officer of the Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority (MPEA), owner of historic Navy Pier.

“We are happy to welcome the world to experience various cultures at our premier venue.”

To honor the departed, featured artists will install and decorate traditional ofrendas (altars). Writer, director, and producer, Patricia Carlos Dominguez, will construct her ofrenda in memory of Jeff Abbey Maldanado, Jr., titled, “Altar of the Angels.”

Having served four and a half years in the United States Air Force, Eric J. Garcia has not forgotten about his time in service. His ofrenda pays homage to the men and women who lost their lives to the war in Afghanistan.

The public also can share in the tradition as Esparanza Gama installs an ofrenda (altar) for a community offering.

Guests are invited to leave their own photos, notes, letters or crafts to deceased loved ones.

Everyone is welcomed to discover and experience the custom traditions of El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). To celebrate, guests are invited to the Craft Area to decorate sugar skulls, make papel picado (cut paper folk art) and face paint.

There are a variety of craft activities available to help personally capture the festivities and culture of El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) for each individual.

There is entertainment for all ages at Navy Pier. Chicagoans, suburban residents and travelers from around the world are thrilled when they explore the many facets and treasures of Chicago’s lakefront playground.

For additional information and event listing, call 312-595-PIER.

Outside the Chicagoland area, call 800-595-PIER or visit our Web site at navypier.com.