National Museum of Mexican Art

Day of the Died Altar

Talcott Fine Arts and Museum Academy Community

Altar Statement

Throughout history people have made pilgrimages in hope for a better life. Life threatening terrain has not deterred the nomadic people of Africa, the Jews leaving Egypt, the Europeans traveling to the Americas and now the Mexicans crossing the border. Water has been at the root of survival and spiritual symbolism in theses travels. We believe the men and women crossing the desert with water gallons in hand not only die from dehydration of the body but also from dehydration of human spirit. Water symbolizes transformation and rebirth which are needed to bring peace to our borders for the modern day travelers.

We honor and bless the present day traveler with our altar. The Monarch Butterfly freely migrates through Canada, Mexico and the United States. Also, the Monarch Butterfly was thought to be the Aztec warriors spirit returning home. For these two reasons we include the Monarch Butterfly. This altar is for all the unknown souls that die in the desert. We pray that their sons return home.

Sally Havlis