The Day of the Dead is one of Mexico’s most extraordinary traditions, which celebrates the lives of those who have passed away. This practice is deeply rooted in the ancient Mesoamerican cultures, which believed in life after death, and the Catholic religion that remembers the departed on All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days each November 1st and 2nd.  After the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, Indigenous and Catholic traditions blended, and over time, each region of Mexico incorporated local customs and beliefs into the memorial celebrations.

Today, families across the country continue to celebrate the Day of the Dead, welcoming back the souls of the departed with cemetery vigils and ofrendas—offerings lovingly arranged on altars that include candles, photographs, favorite foods, and meaningful objects. It is a celebration of remembrance, a time to pause, reflect, and keep alive the memory of those no longer with us, recognizing the enduring presence they hold in our lives.

Our 39th annual exhibition is dedicated to the hundreds in Texas and New Mexico who tragically lost their lives in the floods.

Continue your tour through Día de Muertos in our Courtyard space, designed and curated by the youth artists of Yollocalli Arts Reach. Featuring original art and a colorful installation inspired by nicho boxes. Take a moment to visit the community ofrenda—add a note, drawing, or memory to honor someone you’ve lost and be part of this collective tribute.

Curated by Elisa Soto, Dolores Mercado, and Cesáreo Moreno 

Installations

Crystal Arellano (Chicago)
Arturo Crisanto (Puebla)
Alejandro García Nelo (Edo de México)
Thomas Kelly College Preparatory High School (Chicago)
Mariana Roldan y Audias Roldan (Guerrero)
Daniel Saint Marquez (Chicago)
Jorge Valdivia (Chicago)

Participating Artists

Kelynn Z. Alder
Mary J. Andrade
Daniel Barraza
Familia Baldeon Gutierrez
Cristina Cárdenas
Guillermina Chávez
Nicolás de Jesús
Diske Uno
Luis Fitch
Leopoldo Garcia Aguilar
Diego Isaías Hernández Méndez
Inocencio Jiménez Chino
Violeta Juárez
Flavio Lopez (ANXEL)
Raúl López-Reyes
Paul Lozano
Ricardo Linares G.
Brandon Maldonado
Hector Javier Martinez
Mazatl
Ann Murdy
José Parra
Gabriela Perez de Martinez
Jorge Rosano (1955–2011)
Eduardo Robledo
Sandy Rodriguez
Isis Rodriguez
Los Ramirez Castañeda
Fredy G. Santiz Martínez
Sir Charles
Luis Tapia
Vincent Valdez 
Ismael Vargas
Foto Mayo