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October 27, 2016

Day of the Dead celebration takes place at Philly museum

Enjoy a full day of holiday activities

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Day of the Dead at Penn Museum Courtesy of Penn Museum/PhillyVoice

The colorful alter at Penn Museum's Day of the Dead celebration.

On Oct. 29, the Penn Museum will host a family-friendly Day of the Dead celebration. There will be traditional music and dance, storytelling, puppetry, paper maché art, sugar skull and mask making, face painting, special foods, family gallery tours and decorated altars.


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Creating altars to honor the lives of those who have passed is one of the most important traditions during Day of the Dead in Mexico and in Mexican-American and Latino communities worldwide.

This year the centerpiece altar in the celebration was created in the Mexican state of Veracruz-style, in honor of a new ship trade route between Veracruz and Philadelphia. Other community altars will be on display, too.

The day's schedule of events begins at 11 a.m., with winners for best community altar announced at 3:30 p.m. The event is free with museum admission, which is $2-$15 per person.

Participants are encouraged to wear Day of the Dead costumes.


Day of the Dead Celebration

Saturday, Oct. 29
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Free with museum admission
Penn Museum
3260 South St.
(215) 898-4000

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