A celebration of life
Digging for skeletons to tell the history of the Day of the Dead
Día de Muertos 2023
The Tradition
Día de Muertos happens every year in many places. The tradition is alive and well.
The Celebration
A different part of the story is told in different sites around Oregon cities. At each location, discover artwork installations, ofrendas and a few very special events.
Scroll down for the full calendar, or click the button below to see the event Map.
Calendar of Events & Exhibits
October 5 to November 2 - Mount Tabor Pet Ofrenda (Portland)
Mount Tabor Pet Ofrenda
Hosted by the Hernandez Family
Location:
Mt. Tabor Neighborhood in Portland
5932 SE Lincoln St
Portland, OR 97215
Google Maps
Dates: Now through Nov. 2, 2023
Hours: Open to the public all times of the day.
Description: Chosen family sometimes comes with fur coats, feathers, or scales. The Day of the Dead includes anyone who enriches our hearts even if they are not human. This is a very special Ofrenda dedicated to our pets, hosted by the family Hernandez by Mount Tabor Park in SE Portland.
Click Here to learn more ⊕
October 13 to November 2 - Día de Muertos Photography (Eugene)
Día de Muertos Photography Exhibit
Hosted by Maude Kerns Art Center
Location:
Maude Kerns Art Center
1910 E 15th Ave
Eugene, OR 97403
Google Maps
Dates: Oct. 13 – Nov. 2 2023
Hours:
- Mon-Fri: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
- Sat: 10 AM – 4 PM
- Closed on Sundays
Description: Six Mexican photographers will present documentary and portraiture images of the Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) tradition in Mexican culture. These unique photos capture the spirit of this traditional celebration that embraces life and death.
This exhibit is presented by Eugene Arte Latino in collaboration with Oregon Muertos. Photographs are on display at Maude Kerns Center, Emerald Art Center, and the Eugene Library.
Click here to learn more ⊕
October 13 to November 30 - Día de Muertos Photography (Eugene)
Día de Muertos Photography Exhibits
Hosted by Emerald Art Center
Location:
Emerald Art Center
500 Main St
Springfield, Oregon
Google Maps
Dates: Oct. 13 – Nov. 30 2023
Hours:
- Tues-Sat: 11 AM – 4 PM
- Closed on Sundays and Mondays
Description: Six Mexican photographers will present documentary and portraiture images of the Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) tradition in Mexican culture. These unique photos capture the spirit of this traditional celebration that embraces life and death.
This exhibit is presented by Eugene Arte Latino in collaboration with Oregon Muertos. Photographs are on display at Maude Kerns Center, Emerald Art Center, and the Eugene Library.
Click here to learn more ⊕
October 17, 2023 - Macario Film Screening (Portland)
Macario Film Screening
Hosted by Hollywood Theatre in Portland
Location:
Hollywood Theatre
4122 NE Sandy Blvd
Portland, OR
Google Maps
Date: Oct. 17
Time: 7:30 PM
Description: Oregon Muertos, in partnership with Hollywood Theatre, and with support of the Cineteca Nacional de Mexico is proud to open the Día de Muertos: A Celebration of Life Festival 2023 with this important film.
Macario is a 1960 Mexican drama film directed by Roberto Gavaldón, and starring Ignacio López Tarso and Pina Pellicer. It is based on the novel by B. Traven. Macario has been widely regarded by critics and audiences as one of the greatest Mexican films ever made in Mexican cinema.
Click here to learn more ⊕
October 17 to November 16 - Mictlán (Portland)
Mictlán
Hosted by The Armory in Portland
Location:
Underground Gallery, Portland Center Stage at The Armory
128 NW 11th Ave
Portland, Oregon 97209
Google Maps
Dates: Oct. 17 – Nov. 16 2023
Hours:
Wednesday-Sunday Hrs: 12:00pm – 9:00pm
Description: Mictlán is the underworld in Nahua and Mexican cosmology. There couldn’t be a more appropriate title for this display, since it is at the underground gallery of the Portland Center Stage at The Armory.
Click here to learn more ⊕
October 17 to November 2 - Printmaking Exhibit (Portland)
Printmaking Exhibit
Hosted by Veritas Wine Bar
Location:
Vino Veritas Wine Bar and Bottle Shop
7835 SE Stark St
Portland, OR 97215
Google Maps
Dates: Oct. 17 – Nov. 2 2023
Hours:
- Weds – Sun: 4:30 – 10:30 PM
- Closed on Sundays and Mondays
Description: Veritas Wine bar is hosting works of art by Mexican artists invited to be part of the festival, Día de Muertos – A Celebration of Life.
Click here to learn more ⊕
October 17 to November 6 - Cafe United (Portland)
Hosted by Cafe United Old Town
Location:
118 Northwest Couch Street Portland, OR 97209
Dates: Oct. 17 – Nov. 6 2023
M-F / Hrs: 8:00am – 4:00pm
S-S / Hrs: 8:00am – 3:00pm
Description: This photography exhibit is based on the traditional story of the black dog who will help you to cross you the river.
Click here to learn more ⊕
October 20 to November 6 - San Andres and Other Towns (Portland)
Mixquic and Other Towns
Hosted by the Mexican Consulate in Portland
Location:
Mexican Consulate PDX
1305 SW 12th Ave
Portland, OR 97201
Google Maps
Dates: Oct. 20 – Nov. 6 2023
Hours:
- Mon-Fri: 10 AM – 2 PM
- Closed on Saturdays and Sundays
Description: A photography exhibit in collaboration with the Mexican consulate of Mexico in Portland Oregon. The exhibit features images of the Day of the Dead in San Andres and other Towns, a series of portraits captured during this important holiday in one of the most iconic settings for the holiday in central Mexico. This is a place of creativity, tradition, and a point of great interest internationally. in addition to printmaking artwork from Mexican artists.
Click here to learn more ⊕
October 22 to November 4 - The Second Death (Woodburn)
The Second Death
Hosted by Mega Foods and Juanito Cervantes in Woodburn
Location:
Mega Foods Parking Lot
542 Mount Hood Ave
Woodburn, OR 97071
Google Maps
Dates: Oct. 22 – Nov. 4 2023
Hours: Mon-Friday: 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday – Sunday: 11:am pm – 9:00 pm
Description: This photography exhibit is based on the traditional understanding of the death of an individual. The first death is when your body ceases to function. The second death is when you are placed in the ground, and the third and last is when none is left to remember you. This happens in spaces dedicated to those who have departed and the living who wish to remember them. In traditional Mexican cemeteries, a wooden cross is placed with the name of the one who inhabits the space below.
Activities for Children
Workshop of How to do Papel Picado
October 25 / 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Altar Making
October 28 / 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Face Painting
October 28 / 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Click here to learn more ⊕
October 25 to November 10 - Tlālōcān (Hillsboro)
Tlālōcān
Hosted in Hillsboro
Location: TBA
Dates: Oct. 20 – Nov. 2 2023
Hours: Open to the public all times of the day.
Description: An installation sculpture celebrating one of the most popular gods of the Nahua mythology. Tlālōcān is a region or paradise of Tlāloc, the deity related to water and wind. The most common and iconic place of the afterlife has always been the underworld. From the Occidental religious understanding, the afterlife is understood in terms of Heaven and Hell. For our Nahua ancestors, this concept of good and evil did not exist. Instead, where a person goes when they die depends on the manner of their death.
Click here to learn more ⊕
October 25 to November 6 - Gresham
Mi Jalisco
Hosted by Mi jalisco Taquería
Location:
- 1255 N Main Ave, Gresham, OR 97030.
- Google Maps
Dates: Oct. 25 – Nov. 6 2023
Hours:
- M-F / Hrs: 9:00am – 9:00pm
S-S / Hrs: 10:00am – 8:00pm
Description: A photography exhibit in collaboration with Mi Jalisco Taqueria in Gresham Oregon. The exhibit features images of the Day of the Dead in the heart of Mexico Estate in Mexico. in addition to printmaking artwork from Mexican artists.
Click here to learn more ⊕
October 28 - Musical Catrinas (Portland)
Musical Catrinas
Hosted by Bohío Studio in Portland
Location:
Bohío Studio
5108 SE Powell Blvd
Portland, OR 97206
Google Maps
Dates: Oct. 28
Hours: 5 – 7 PM
Description: Día de Muertos – a Celebration of Life festival is proud to present an art exhibit in collaboration with Bohío Studio. The Hispanic artist, Oregon-based Hampton Rodriguez, has crafted a wonderful exhibit based around the Day of the Dead. It includes recreated images of celebrities and everyday Portland scenes, done with his particular technique of collage, which is inspired by the iconic Catrina images traditionally associated with the Day of the Dead.
Click here to learn more ⊕
October 28 to October 30 - Ofrenda Yolotl (Happy Valley)
Ofrenda Yolotl
Hosted by Yolotl Cuisine
Location:
Yolotl Traditional Mexican Cuisine
13140 SE 172nd Avenue #122,
Happy Valley, OR 97086
Google Maps
Dates: Oct. 28 – 30 2023
Hours:
- 2-9 PM
Description: As part of our special effort to share the Día de Muertos tradition, a special mobile gallery with an exhibit centered around the food of the ofrendas will be in the parking lot of Yolotl Cuisine, open during store business hours. Historically, from the pre-Hispanic to the Colonial elements on the offerings, food has always been the main element in the Mexican ofrendas (altars). Stop by for a visit to learn about this tradition and more.
Click here to learn more ⊕
October 30 to November 2 - ¡Nuestros Recuerdos Viven! (Woodburn)
¡Nuestros Recuerdos Viven!
Hosted by Woodburn Historical Museum / Bungalow Theatre
Location:
Woodburn Historical Museum
455 N Front St
Woodburn, OR 97071
Google Maps
Dates: Oct. 30 – Nov 2 2023
Hours:
- Oct. 30: Exhibit open 5, film showing 6:15 PM, lecture 7:15 PM
- Nov. 1: 5-7 PM
- Nov. 2: Ofrenda open at 3 PM, celebration at 5 PM
Description: Join us in celebrating Día de Muertos in Woodburn’s Downtown. Celebrate the wonders of life and remember our loved ones who have passed but live on within our memories. This event includes the a selection of short films from ULTRACINEMA (the International Festival of Experimental Mexican Film and Found Footage). The mobile gallery and some of the Día de Muertos skeletons will be part of this magnificent ofrenda of Día de Muertos.
Click here to learn more ⊕
November 1 to November 3 - Día de Muertos Photography (Springfield)
Día de Muertos Photography Exhibits
Hosted by Springfield City Hall and Public Library
Location:
Springfield Public Library
225 5th St Suite 301
Springfield, OR 97477
Google Maps
Dates: Nov. 1 – 3 2023
Hours:
- Mon: 12 – 7 PM
- Tues: 10 AM – 7 PM
- Weds: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Thurs: 12 – 7 PM
- Fri: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Sat: 10 AM – 3 PM
- Closed on Sundays
Description: Six Mexican photographers will present documentary and portraiture images of the Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) tradition in Mexican culture. These unique photos capture the spirit of this traditional celebration that embraces life and death.
This exhibit is presented by Eugene Arte Latino in collaboration with Oregon Muertos. Photographs are on display at Maude Kerns Center, Emerald Art Center, and the Eugene Library.
Click here to learn more ⊕
November 2 to November 5 - The Zone (Portland)
Exhibits at The Zone
Hosted by Propulsion Network
Location:
The Zone
818 SW 1st Ave
Portland, OR 97201
Google Maps
Dates: Nov. 2-5 2023
Hours:
- Nov 2: 4:00 pm to 10:00pm
- Nov 3: 4:00 pm to 8:00pm
- Nov 4: 11:00 am to 3:00pm
- Nov 5: 11:00 am to 5:00pm
Description: Five Day of the Dead installations will be hosted at The Zone.
Mictlán: The mythological journey of Quetzalcoatl to rescue the bones of his father in the underworld.
The Alebrije: This is a fantastic creature originally not part of the Day of the Dead. However, Alebrijes are known as cultural icons of Mexican culture these days, so of course we had to include one in the festivities!
The Afterlife Town: An abstract sculptural representation of what the afterlife will be like, based on the tradition. Made from the recycled wood of a nineteenth-century dismantled organ, which was a donation from the Oregon Buddhist Temple.
Posada: Mural created in honor of Jose Guadalupe Posada.
Arbery’s Ofrenda: Who is allowed to dream? A mixed media sculpture.
November 4 / 2023 - Lucha Libre Ofrenda (Portland)
Lucha Libre Event and Ofrenda
Sponsored by Propulsion Works
Location:
SE Portland
2014 SE 9th Ave
Portland OR 97214
Google maps
Date: Nov. 4
Hours: 6 PM until closing
Description: Día de Muertos: a Celebration of Life will close the festival with a Lucha Libre event and film art exhibition. This event includes a selection of short films from ULTRACINEMA (the International Festival of Experimental Mexican Film and Found Footage). will be part of this magnificent ofrenda of Día de Muertos. Celebrities such as Avispa Dorada, Ave Rexx, Halcon de Plata, and others will participate in this amazing event full of Mexican culture and tradition. You won’t want to miss it!
Click here to learn more ⊕
a celebration of life
Día de Muertos is a compilation of art pieces and installations, based on the community tradition of the Day of the Dead across Oregon. The celebration reflects the Mexican belief that we are not truly dead until we are no longer remembered by someone who is still alive. The stories and celebrations of the people who shaped our lives are important and worth honoring
Macario October 17 / 7:30 pm / Hollywood Theatre
A screening of the iconic 1960 magical realist film directed by Roberto Gavaldón.
Closing event Dia de Muertos a celebration of life
November 4 6:00pm
HISTORICAL TIMELINE
Pre-Hispanic
Mythology
All Saints
Fusion
Colonial
Tradition
Contemporary
The Art
Each art piece and installation will represent one aspect of the tradition of Day of the Dead. Depending on the location, you can expect an exhibit, with a collection of photography a printmaking or art installation.
The installations are historically thematic. They showcase both Oregon and international artists. Some (Ofrendas) installations have an area like bulletin board. These are places where groups, individuals and the local community in general are invited to place their own personal offerings for the celebration.
This design and final presentation of each installation largely will depend on the space available at the location. Some pieces will be displayed in venues, others in shipping containers that have more amenities than smaller ones. These installations will have interactive features that create a fun and educational experience. Teaching about the origins of the tradition, its history and contemporary evolution.
Mictlan
A pre-Hispanic experience. This installation explores the mythology of the ancient peoples of Mesoamerica, the roots that gave origin to today’s traditions. In addition, it features “Working of the worms” Mythology and the ancient history of the Pre-hispanic world — from the mother cultures such as Olmec, Mayan and Zapotec, to the Nahua people.
Day of All Saints
New management new date. The history of the celebration of All Saints’ Day begins in the days of Christian Rome. During the 8th century, Pope Gregory III ordered that All Saints would be celebrated on each 1st day of November.
Fusion
Franciscan order founded the College of Tlatelolco, where young men would follow a program used in Franciscan Seminaries. Aside from learning about science and theology, there was a focus on preserving the knowledge and history of the Aztec civilization. The objective was to prepare an indigenous clergy; however, no indigenous priests would ever emerge from that institute.
Second Death
The tradition talks about the three deaths. This photography exhibit is based on the traditional syncretic understanding of the death and memory of an individual. This happens in spaces dedicated to those who have departed.
Posada
Retrospective of one of the most influential Mexican artists. José Guadalupe Posada Aguilar was a Mexican lithographer.
The Evolution
Contemporary perspective of the tradition as world heritage. Dia de Muertos has became an international phenomenon. From advertising campaigns to popular films the tradition is celebrated and accepted by Mexican diaspora outside of Mexico.
Death and Humor
It is a funny thing to be dead. For the ancestors in the Mesoamerican world, death was considered a part of life. Humor around death has always been a characteristic trait of Mexican culture. The representation of skulls and skeletons has always been playful; this humor touches many aspects of the traditional and of a more contemporary Mexican culture.
Tradition is Sweet
Food has always been the main element in the Mexican ofrendas (altars). however, Other foods like wheat (bread) was not part of the indigenous foods placed in pre-Hispanic offerings. Nevertheless, that changed with the colonial times until today. This exhibit explores all that is delicious about the Day of the Dead.
Working of the Worms
Mythology and the ancient history of the Pre-hispanic world; from the mother cultures such as Olmec, Mayan and Zapotec, to the Nahua people. This pre-Hispanic experience is in addition to the Mictlan installation.
The Map
Día de Muertos it is one of the most important celebrations in Mexican culture. This tradition has evolved organically however, the essence and heart of the celebration remain untouched. These art installations are not the only display of the tradition in Oregon. Many people have adopted the tradition and celebrate in their own way.
Each site will display a map that will mark dates, times and locations of individuals or groups celebrating the tradition in their community that will be open to the public. The art installations will be open the last two weeks of October 2023 until the night of November 2.
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The Documentary
Nepantla is a place in our hearts. This Nahuatl word translates to “in between”. Documentary by Alejandro IV Barragan will be released on October 2024.