Dia de los Muertos Festival
14th Annual Day of the Dead Festival
Presented by PNC Bank
Free admission | Pre-registration encouraged
Nov 3, 2024
10:00 am
–
4:00 pm
Free
Museum admission includes entry to Dia de los Muertos
Commemorate the richness and beauty of Latin American cultures
A fall tradition for many Kansas City families, the Dia de los Muertos (or Day of the Dead) festival commemorates the richness and beauty of Latin American cultures through art activities, entertainment, and traditional cuisine.
Additionally, every festival features an innovative altar installation created in collaboration with local artists, Mattie Rhodes Center, and community and school groups. The altar is on display several days prior to and after the Dia de los Muertos festival. Guests are invited to leave a tribute to a loved one who has passed away.
Altar Display | Kirkwood Hall | Oct. 21-Nov. 4
In the weeks ahead of the festival, we will install an altar display in Kirkwood Hall. The altar will feature traditional Día de los Muertos elements, including cartoneria style Calaca masks, flores de papel, and richly patterned sawdust rugs. Guests are invited to visit the altar and commemorate their loved ones who have passed on.
This year’s display is a collaborative project between the Mattie Rhodes Cultural Art Center, the Consulate of Mexico in Kansas City, and Guadalupe Centers High School Impact Academy as well as local artists, organizations, and students.
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Performances
Grupo Folklorico Alma Tapatia & Danza Mexica Calpulli Iskali | 10:30 –11:15 am, Atkins Auditorium (lobby level)
Mariachi Fuego of Kansas City | 11:30 am—1:30 pm, Kirkwood Hall (level 1)
Grupo Folklorico MiSol De KC | Noon*–12:45 pm, Atkins Auditorium (lobby level)
Los Bailadores de Kansas City & Rose Marie of Rose Marie’s Fiesta Mexicana | 1:30–2:15 pm, Atkins Auditorium (lobby level)
El Grupo Folklorico Atotonilco | 3–3:45 pm, Atkins Auditorium (lobby level)
Stranded in the City | 2:30–3 pm, 3:30–4 pm, Bloch Lobby
*Welcome remarks precede noon performance
Activities
Strolling Calacas | 10:30–11:30 am, Kirkwood Hall (level 1)
Snap a picture with women dressed in one-of-a-kind costumes and elaborate makeup and hair designs.
Artful Tales: Stories at the Museum | 11–11:45 am, Rockhill Room (level 2, Bloch Building)
Preschoolers and their grownups are invited to enjoy stories and music celebrating the holiday.
Live Printing | 10:30 am–1 pm, classrooms 4 and 5 (lobby level)
Viva La Tinta demonstrates printing and gives away one mini-print per person (while supplies last).
Puppet-making demonstration by local artists Sue Moreno and Taylor Gass | 11 am–1 pm, North Plaza Drive (or Bloch Lobby, in case of inclement weather)
Mask-making activity | 1–4 pm, classrooms 4 and 5 Make a Día de los Muertos mini paper Calaca mask.
Book display and mask-making activity | 1–4 pm, Spencer Art Reference Library (level 2)
Enjoy a special book display and make a Día de los Muertos mini paper Calaca mask.
Traditional Mexican crafts demonstration by Virginia Oropeza | 1–4 pm, Rockhill Room (level 2, Bloch Building)
Mexican cultural display | Noon–4 pm, Educator Resource Center (lobby level)
View book selections and resources about Mexican culture.
Mask-making activity | 10 am–4 pm, Lens 2, (level 2, Bloch Building)
Make a Día de los Muertos mini paper Calaca mask.
Museum volunteer information table | 10 am-4 pm, Sculpture Hall (level 1)
Mi Tapete learning station | 10 am-4 pm, Native American Gallery (208)
Discuss the patterns and symbols featured in Mi Tapete, a special museum workshop.
Dining
The Tamale Kitchen Food Truck | 11 am-3 pm, North Plaza Drive
Serving fresh tamales, chicken tostadas and Mexican soft drinks. The Tamale Kitchen supports and provides opportunities for the Hispanic community of the Northeast Kansas City area.
Lunch | 11 am-2 pm
Coffee and dessert | 2-4 pm
Rozzelle Court Restaurant, Nelson-Atkins Building
Enjoy Mexican inspired entrees and small plates. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian options are available.
Á la carte Mexican cuisine | (while supplies last) Bloch Building Lobby
Purchase Mexican-inspired small plates.
Free festival pins for Nelson-Atkins members | 10 am–4 pm, Info Desk (Bloch Lobby)
Members can stop by to claim their free, limited-edition Día de los Muertos enamel pin. To collect your pin, present your member card. If you’re not a member, learn more about membership opportunities.
Know our three rules
To ensure the safety and preservation of the art, we ask all Nelson-Atkins visitors to follow three primary rules when they come to the museum:
- Stay at least two feet from the art. Please do not touch, lean on, or sit on the art, including outdoor sculptures and the reflecting pool.
- No backpacks in the galleries. We offer free coat and bag check in the Bloch Building lobby. Alternatively, carry your bag or wear it on one shoulder or the front of your body.
- No food or drink in the galleries. Guests are permitted to eat outdoors and in designated indoor dining areas.
Share your pictures with us.
If you take photos, tag us!
After the event, we’ll release official event photos on our Flickr profile:
Thank you
Support for the festival is provided by Lilly Endowment Inc. and W.K. Kellogg Foundation Trustee Donor Advised Fund, Ramon Murguía, Trustee.
Thank you to the many community volunteers and organizations for their support of this event including the Consulate of Mexico in Kansas City.
Members — the art and soul of the museum — and volunteers, whose support makes festivals like this possible. To learn more, visit the Info Desk or our website: ArtAndSoulKC.org.
Save the date:
Lunar New Year Festival | January 26, 2025
