We recently took Prin (my Gulliver hook/doll, made by Noreen) along to the Mexican Fine Arts Center in the predominantly Mexican neighborhood of Pilsen in the South Loop area of Chicago. Prin has never had a cultural experience quite like the “Day of the Dead,” so we thought it would be a great awakening for her.

For Alan and I, it is a tradition to see the annual display created by invited artists at the national museum. An added benefit is that we also have lunch in one of the many authentic Mexican restaurants! This year we had a friend, Miriam, visiting from Columbia. She enjoyed the exhibit thoroughly and said she had heard of the “Day of the Dead” but had never seen what it means “face to face.”

Overcome by the number of skeletons, portrayed in both serious and comical forms, Prin never imagined that such a form could be beautiful! The array of colorful exhibits bring joy to everyone’s hearts, but Prin, being a doll, was particularly thrilled to see other doll forms which felt familiar and quickly became her friends.

Unfortunately, no photos were allowed within the exhibit, but there was plenty of interesting backdrops in the gift shop named “Tzinzuntzan.”

Mexicans have a very different way of looking at death than we Americans. To them, death is a part of life, not something to be afraid of. Each year during All Soul’s Day (Nov. 1 and 2) they believe that their loved ones who have died visit them. For their reception, “altars” are prepared in their honor with their photographs and adorned with aromatic flowers, candles, colorful tissue paper, sugar skulls and most importantly, the favorite food of the deceased. A huge feast is prepared and families gather in local cemeteries to eat, tell tales about the life of their loved ones and celebrate, rather than mourn, the dead. In this culture, people are more at peace with death.

As you can see by the pictures, it is both interesting and colorful. Prin is already looking forward to returning next year!