Day of the Dead Festival at The Nelson - Atkins Museum of Art
*The event has already taken place on this date: Sun, 11/04/2018
Please help us keep this calendar up to date! If this activity is sold out, canceled, or otherwise needs alteration, email mindy@kidsoutandabout.com so we can update it immediately. If you have a question about the activity itself, please contact the organization administrator listed below.
Add your own special remembrance to our altar featuring traditional elements – including butterflies, flowers, and a Catrina figure – created in collaboration with local artists, students, and the Mattie Rhodes Center.
Performances and Activities
Kirkwood Hall, Plaza Level
Altar Installation
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Add your own special remembrance to our altar featuring traditional elements – including butterflies, flowers, and a Catrina figure – created in collaboration with local artists, students, and the Mattie Rhodes Center.
Traditional Día de los Muertos Preparation and Performances (10 minutes each)
11 a.m. & 12 p.m. | Members of the community prepare the altar for the celebration
1 & 2 p.m. | Danza Mexica Calpulli Iskalli ceremonial performances
3 & 4 p.m. | Live music by Mariachi Aguila of Kansas City
Readings
11:30 a.m.–12 p.m. & 1:30–2 p.m.
Maria Vasquez Boyd and Latino Writers members read selected poetry.
Atkins Auditorium, Lobby Level
El Grupo Folklorico Atotonilco
10:30 a.m.–11:15 a.m.
Enjoy traditional Mexican dances with El Grupo Folklorico Atotonilco, a Mexican folkloric dance group made up of 20 dancers of all ages.
Cornisa 20: Mariachi Clown
12:15– 1 p.m. & 2:15–3 p.m.
*Special welcome at 12:15 p.m.
Enjoy a unique mariachi-inspired show! This performance is supported by the Consulate of Mexico in Kansas City and the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation.
Room 6, Lobby Level
Live Printing
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Pick up a free print by local artists Erick Felix and Nic Ortega fresh off their mobile printing press. While supplies last.
Artist Demonstrations
1-4 p.m.
Demonstrations by Virginia Oropeza and more.
Bloch Building
Rockhill Room, Level 2
Apply a monarch butterfly temporary tattoo.
Spencer Art Reference Library, Level 2
Book Display and Bookmark Decorating
1–4 p.m.
Enjoy a special book display and color a Day of the Dead themed bookmark.
Lobby Level
The Adventures of Rabbit and Coyote by Mesner Puppet Theater
10:15-10:30 a.m., 11:15-11:30 a.m. & 12:15-12:30 p.m.
Poor Coyote! All he wants is to enjoy a delicious rabbit dinner, but clever Rabbit has other plans. Based on traditional Tio Conejotrickster tales from Mexico and Central America, this lively story follows Rabbit’s adventures as he outsmarts Coyote again and again.
Bloch Lobby
1-1:30 p.m.
The Dancing Calacas wear elaborately designed dresses and perform dances choreographed to the folklore “La Llorona.” Pose for pictures with the Dancing Calacas throughout the day.
1:45–2:45 p.m.
Enjoy the lively music of Mariachi Aguila of Kansas City.
3–4 p.m.
Dance the cumbia to the acoustic stylings of Aztlan.
Lens 2
Art Activities
10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Create a mini Día de los Muertos paper altar to take home.
Noguchi Court
Story Time for Preschoolers
1-1:20 & 2:30-2:50 p.m.
Hear stories inspired by Mexican culture with storyteller Joyce Slater during this special story time for preschoolers.
*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.