Blog: Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

For nearly 20 years, Atlanta History Center has partnered with the Consul General of Mexico and the Institute of Mexican Culture to host Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) on our 33-acre campus. This year, we’re celebrating the occasion virtually. Enjoy our curated selection of stories, experiences, books, and more—from the comfort and safety of home!

Funding for this program is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners under the guidance of Fulton County Arts Council and is presented in partnership with the Consulate General of Mexico in Atlanta and the Institute of Mexican Culture.

Videos

One of the most engaging parts of our Day of the Dead Annual Festival is the sense of community and connection to others that can be felt walking around our campus that day. People from all over Atlanta and from various backgrounds join to celebrate Mexican heritage and this sacred holiday—not a day of mourning, but a day of celebration. The videos below welcome you and invite you to be part of this community.

Music

As we honor our deceased loved ones on Day of the Dead, we listen to music that reminds us of all the good times we shared, while speaking to our sorrow that they are no longer with us. Let this playlist & concert inspire memories of your loved ones.

Playlist
“Music is the way our memories sing to us across time” Lance Morrow

ASO
This concert performance took place on October 27, 2019 at Atlanta History Center as part of the 2019 Day of the Dead celebration. It features members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra directed by Mexican musician and ASO violinist Juan Ramirez with the participation of Soprano Singer Ana Karina Pegueros from the State of Guanajuato, Mexico.

Virtual Tours

Exploring the Atlanta History Center’s 33 acres won’t be part of our virtual offering, but we have assembled virtual tours of some of Mexico’s best museums and art installations for you to visit from the comfort of your home. Explore the Frida Kahlo Museum, Modern Art Museum, Fine Arts Palace, Dolores Olmedo Museum, a Frida Kahlo Exhibit, and the National Art Museum.

Short Films

These Mexican filmmakers explore themes of death and dying in Mexican culture, and the significance of Dia de los Muertos.

Hasta los huesos

Password: Imcine2015

Ramona

Password: R4MN41MC12020

El pescador

Password: FIsherman2020

Book Recommendations

Enjoy this curated list of books to continue your exploration of Day of the Dead.

A gift for abuelita: Celebrating the Day of the Dead by Nancy Luenn, 2004
Día de Muertos. Rosseane Thong, 2015
Día de los muertos, Ann Heinrich, 2006
The Day of the Dead, El Día de los Muertos, a bilingual celebration, Bob Barner, 2011
Funny Bones–Posada and his day of the Dead Calaveras, Duncan Tonatiuh, 2015
Celebrate the world, Día de los Muertos, Hannah Eliot, 2018
Pedro Paramo, Juan Rulfo, 1955

Supporters

It probably goes without saying, but the part we might miss the most about not hosting an in-person event this year is that we won’t be able to sample the delicious food and buy beautiful things from authentic food and gift vendors. We are including a listing of some of our favorites here so you can order takeout this weekend, or get a jump start on your holiday shopping.

Tamales
Natalia Pinzon (404) 287-8929

Tacos
Beto’s Tacos

Baked Goods
2Bakers LLC

Candy
Sueño Rico

Pan de Muerto Sugar Skulls & Decorations
Calavera Co.

Gift Items
Shop Mex
Presencia

Greeting Cards
Viva Greetings LLC

Artist
Yehimi Cambrón
Bilingual Books

Exhibition
Giant Skulls & Mega Altar

Partners

This program is presented in partnership with the Consul General of Mexico, the Institute of Mexican Culture, and the Office of Guanajuato in Georgia.

Additionally, we would like to thank the following individuals and groups for making this virtual offering possible.