While most might think of October as a “spooky month,” Dia de los Muertos is far from scary! The holiday, celebrated mostly in Mexico, (on Nov 1st and 2nd) is like a family reunion—except dead ancestors are the guests of honor!
The Hattiesburg Pocket Museum’s October exhibit celebrates The Day of the Dead, which focuses on receiving the souls of dead relatives with gladness and hospitality. While many would expect the day to be solemn, it is actually a joyous occasion, meant as a celebration of life!
In the days preceding the holiday, it is customary to build a shrine to honor one’s deceased relatives. These shrines, referred to in Spanish as “ofrendas,” are bright, colorful and ornate.
The Hattiesburg Pocket Museum is featuring Mexican art, décor and pottery to showcase Dia de los Muertos. The idea came from Hattiesburg school teacher, Elvira Deyamport. Elvira is a proud first generation Mexican American. She loves to share her cultural background with her students each year. This year, her entire class is taking a field trip to the Pocket Museum and Saenger Theater to learn more about this joyous holiday. Other artifacts come from the lead designer and artist for the Hattiesburg Convention Commission, Kari Zendejas. Kari is a graphic designer, illustrator and artist who came to Hattiesburg as a student at The University of Southern Mississippi where she earned her BFA in Graphic Design. As a proud second- generation American, Kari has heard many stories from her father about his childhood in Mexico. Her favorite bedtime stories were the spooky ones that he swears he witnessed as a child.
In addition to their works of art, the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum encouraged other Pine Belt artists to decorate skulls to add to the Museum and Ofrenda. Visitors to the alley will see ornately decorated skulls and sculptures from 16 artists, some who have included a framed photograph of loved ones they are honoring.
The Hattiesburg Pocket Museum’s October exhibit will be on display October 2nd through October 31st.
