The National Museum of Mexican Art held its annual Día de Muertos exhibition opening last Friday where countless families had the opportunity to explore the sugar skulls that adorned the museum. The Day of the Dead celebration is deeply rooted in ancient indigenous beliefs of life after death and a spiritual existence within the universe. After the 16th century Spanish encounter with America, celebrations for the deceased were mainly observed on All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days (November 1 & 2) throughout Mexico. Today, various Mexican communities and regions honor their dead in unique ways. From the Afro-Mexican towns along the Costa Chica, to the Mixteca towns in the state of Puebla, each region observes the age-old practice in unique ways. One-of-a-kind displays of traditional and contemporary works of art are integrated into this exhibition to bring to life a Mexican celebration that bridges borders. Curated by Cesáreo Moreno. Special programs and classes related to the exhibition will be offered through its closing, December 8, 2019.  This year’s exhibition is dedicated to those who tragically lost their lives in El Paso, Texas, where Mexicans and immigrants were targeted in the August 3rd hate crime.