Celebrate Día de Muertos with the Lorenzo Cultural Center through exhibit and cultural programming Oct. 19-Nov. 7

Featured exhibit explores Day of the Dead traditions through 26 photographs from southern Mexico

The Lorenzo Cultural Center will host a Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) exhibit and programming Oct. 19-Nov. 7, featuring a photo exhibition developed by the Chicago Field Museum, a Mexican film festival, workshops, a Detroit Institute of Arts excursion and cultural performances.

Día de Muertos is a Mexican tradition honoring loved ones who have passed away through celebration, remembrance and community. Families create altars, known as ofrendas, and gather to share stories, music, food and other traditions that celebrate the lives and legacies of those they have lost.

"This year's Día de Muertos celebration offers visitors an opportunity to experience the history, artistry and traditions at the heart of this meaningful holiday," said Kayla Svisco, manager of cultural programming and exhibits at the Lorenzo Cultural Center. "From the featured exhibition to hands-on workshops and performances, the series encourages learning, remembrance and cultural appreciation."

The Lorenzo Cultural Center’s Day of the Dead celebration includes:

• Oct. 21, 10:30 a.m.: Excursion to the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA). The cultural center will host a free bus trip to the DIA to view ofrendas (altars) on a self-guided tour. Preregister to reserve a seat.
• Oct. 22, Oct. 29 and Nov. 5, 4 p.m.: Mexican Film Festival. Screenings of Cabeza de Vaca, María Sabina, mujer espíritu and Poetas Campesinos, all by acclaimed Mexican filmmaker Nicolás Echevarría exploring Mexican culture, history and traditions, will be shown in Spanish with English subtitles followed by a discussion after each viewing.
• Oct. 23, 11 a.m.: Paint-along Program. Participants will create a sugar skull-inspired artwork while exploring Mexican heritage and Día de Muertos traditions. There is a $15 materials fee.
• Oct. 24, 1 p.m.: Altar Making Workshop. Participants will create personal altars honoring loved ones while learning about the traditions and cultural significance of Día de Muertos. Attendees are encouraged to bring photos or keepsakes.
• Oct. 30, 6 p.m.: Book of Life Screening and Craft Night. Guests will watch a screening of the animated film and participate in Día de Muertos-themed crafts.
• Nov. 7, 1 p.m.: Ballet & Bites. Ballet Folklórico de Detroit will perform traditional Mexican folk dances in authentic regional costumes. Light refreshments will be provided.

In addition to the Lorenzo Cultural Center's annual display of altars (ofrendas), the photo exhibition, A Celebration of Souls: Day of the Dead in Southern Mexico, will be featured.

Presented in partnership with the Field Museum in Chicago, A Celebration of Souls: Day of the Dead in Southern Mexico features 26 framed color photographs. The exhibition explores the rich history and traditions of honoring the dead in ancient Mesoamerica, highlights the dedication and care involved in these meaningful rituals, and reveals the enduring spiritual significance of Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations in rural Mexico today. This exhibition was developed by the Field Museum in collaboration with Mars, Incorporated.

For a complete program listing and to register for presentations and workshops, visit https://www.lorenzoculturalcenter.com. The exhibit will be open Oct. 19-Nov. 7, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will be closed Oct. 31. All programs are free unless otherwise noted, and registration is encouraged as some events have limited capacity.

The cultural center is located on Macomb Community College’s Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Township.

About the Lorenzo Cultural Center

The Lorenzo Cultural Center provides interactive learning opportunities for all ages. It extends student discovery beyond classroom walls as well as creating multi-faceted opportunities for community members to explore the influences and experiences that shape our heritage. The cultural center is located on Macomb Community College’s Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Township. More information is available at lorenzoculturalcenter.com

About Macomb Community College

Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is about transforming lives and communities through the power of education, enrichment and economic development. Macomb grants the largest number of associate degrees in Michigan and is the largest community college in the state. The college provides programming for youth through seniors, including early college for high school students, university transfer and career preparation programs, workforce education, continuing education and certification, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities encompassing arts, culture and lifelong learning.

Media Contact: Katlyn Holtvluwer, 586.349.8737, holtvluwerk281@macomb.edu