Taller's Day of the Dead Celebration

Day of the Dead Altar.
The back drop is skull rack, his Tzompantli that he created in 2008

On Friday, November 2nd, at 5:30PM  Cesar Viveros as part his exhibition, No Me Conformo, brought the Mexican national holiday and tradition, the celebration of the Day of the Dead to Taller Puertorriqueño.  The celebration of the holiday falls on November 1 and 2nd, which coincides with the Christian Holidays, All Saints Day and All Souls Day.  This is example of syncretism of distinct traditions.

Viveros preparing his altar

“The belief is that for two days, there is a path to the other world that allows the souls to return and taste some of the things they used to enjoy,” Viveros said.

Taller's Executive Director, Carmen Febo San Miguel in front of the altar

In his exhibition, Viveros shares a private custom with the public.  This is in continuation with his theme of his exhibition,  of creating contexts where the audience conforms to his expectations and views as a Mexican immigrant. In this case it the following of the celebration of the Day of the Dead.  A tradition the predated the European colonization of the Americas.

Day of the Dead in Mexico is a family event, that is celebrated with altars and visits to the tombs of love ones.  It is comprised of sugar skulls, portraits of the loved ones, momentos, candys and foods as ofrendas (offerings).  The colors are usually festive, and death is made fun of.  Viveros has described this day not only as a time to remember your loved ones but also as a celebration of life.

The altar will be up until the end of the exhibition on November 10th.