Day of the Dead - Family Fun at British Museum

Posted by Frances Spiegel Oct 5, 2009

The Day of the Dead festival dates back at least 3,000 years and originated with Mexico's pre-Hispanic cultures.

Activities at British Museum in the Week Leading up to 1st November 2009

In the half-term week leading up to 1st November children will have the chance to help Mexican artists, such as Adriana Amaya, make a Day of the Dead altar (ofrenda) in the Great Court.

On the Day

The British Museum's day of events will offer activities such as live performances, processions, face painting, talks, demonstrations, displays and storytelling sessions.

Activities will be organised by professional artists and will concentrate on preparing props and costumes for the parade. Musicians and dancers will perform in the Great Court and stilt walkers will strutt their stuff on the colonnade.

Events for Adults

Adults and older children will be offered a choice of Gallery Talks as follows:

• Author Chloe Sayer will explain some of the traditions surrounding this festival.
• Food writer and TV presenter, Stefan Gates, will talk about his experiences of Day of the Dead while filming the Feast series for BBC4.
• The Paul Hamlyn Library will present a volume of the Kingsborough Codex. There will be an adult workshop on pictograms to accompany the presentation as well as a Mexican-themed storytelling session.

This family activity is part of a programme of events linked to the British Museum's current exhibitions Moctezuma Aztec Ruler (entrance must be pre-book as tickets are limited), and Revolution on Paper (admission free). Further information regarding all events is available from the British Museum.