By: Maria Allard | Warren Weekly | Published October 26, 2022
WARREN/DETROIT — Mexican film star María Félix is among those who will be remembered with an altar in this year’s Detroit Institute of Arts 10th annual “Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos” exhibit.
The DIA, in collaboration with the Mexican Consulate of Detroit, the Southwest Detroit Business Association and Mexicantown Community Development Corporation, will display 14 altars until Nov. 6.
Generally celebrated in Mexico, with variations observed in other Latin American countries and different parts of the world, Día de Muertos — Day of the Dead — celebrates the lives of the departed through decorative altars that feature sugar skulls, candles, water, tissue paper, flowers and photos.
Each altar tells a story of the dead. Many have a celebratory vibe, while others are created with a somber tone. Altars, also known as ofrendas, are displayed Nov. 1-2 — and sometimes Oct. 31 — and coincide with the Catholic observances of All Saints Day on Nov. 1 and All Souls Day on Nov. 2. Warren artist Saramaria Aguilar is among the artists behind the ofrenda honoring María Félix at the DIA this year.
“As Mexicans, we have grown up placing altars for the dead every year as part of our culture. Being in another country, we want to participate as a way to honor our country and make our traditions known,” Aguilar said in a prepared statement. “Our altar honors María Félix, since she is considered the greatest diva of the golden age of Mexican cinema.”
Aguilar designed and built the altar titled “Ofrenda a La Doña” with David Cruz, Josué Román, Leidy Vargas, Antonio Santoyo, and José García, according to a Day of the Dead exhibit press release from the DIA.
This year the museum will again offer a digital exhibition experience for those not able to visit the museum. Using an interface similar to Google Maps, viewers can “walk through” the exhibition and view each altar and the accompanying interpretative labels from home.
The DIA is located at 5200 Woodward Ave. in Detroit. For more information and hours visit dia.org or call (313) 833-7900. Information on sugar skull making workshops can be found on the website.