Espoo Museum of Modern Art
Día de Muertos – Day of the Dead
Día de Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a beautiful tradition of remembering and honoring those who have passed away. It is a time when families and communities come together to keep the memory of loved ones alive: with flowers, colors, stories, music, food and, above all, togetherness.
Traditionally celebrated on 1 and 2 November, Día de Muertos brings together ancestral traditions from Mexico and Central America. Families create special altars, or ofrendas, to welcome and remember the loved ones who are no longer with us.
EMMA and Ninho ry invite all children, families, friends and anyone who would like to share this tradition, whether you celebrate Día de Muertos every year or are exploring it for the first time. There is a place for everyone.
Included in the museum admission fee (0–20 €). The celebration offers creative and joyful activities for all ages in English, Spanish and Finnish. Read more about the programme below!
Make your own Day of the Dead Altar workshop
12:30-3:30 pm
Everyone is welcome to either build their own ofrenda/altar with the collage pieces that will be given or mix collage and drawing to create a more unique and personal Altar.
Led by: Mariana Núñez Sánchez
“Papel Picado” (Mexican paper cutting) workshop
12:30-3:30 pm
Come create “Papel Picado” one of the most traditional elements of Mexican offerings during the Day of the Dead celebrations. By cutting paper, we will create shapes that dance in the wind and fill the altar with color, as we honor the memory of our loved ones.
Led by: Paola Hernández
“Calaveritas” (Little skulls) face painting
12:30-3:30 pm
This activity will transform children into colorful little skulls to share a joyful memory. Come and be part of this commemoration!
Led by: Alicia Sevilla & Núria Rovira Martí
Live audio-reactive performance by Julle Gröhn
12:30-4:30 pm
During all Family Day a live audio-reactive performance, brings symbols of Día de Muertos to life. Using modular synthesizers, Julle Gröhn creates music that shapes the visuals in real time, turning tradition into a living, ever-changing altar of sound and light.
Communitarian Closing Event by DJ Julio Gröhn
3:30 – 4:30 pm
We will gather around the small Altars created to remember those we love, celebrate their lives and keep their memories alive through music, dancing and joy. A warm and joyful closing for children, families and everyone to share together.
The event is a co-production among Kulttuurikeskus Ninho ry, EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art, Finnish Arts and Culture Agency and Svenska Kulturfonden.