El Dia de Los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) is a three-day holiday (October 31st–November 2nd) that honors the departed through ofrendas (offerings) arranged on altars, music, dancing, and gatherings with family and friends. A large-scale community altar by artist Scherezade Garcia will be installed in Green-Wood’s Historic Chapel. Visitors are encouraged to bring personal offerings to a community altar, including flowers, photographs, and notes, among other objects. Inspired by altars found throughout Mexico and the Mexican diaspora, Garcia’s altar will combine her own unique style with this centuries-old celebration of the departed.

As Election Day approaches, join student of history Matt Dellinger and Green-Wood Historian Jeff Richman for a discussion of those who count among Green-Wood’s permanent residents who did quite make it to be President of the United States. Some came close, like DeWitt Clinton, who would have been the fourth U.S. president if only he had carried the swing state of Pennsylvania. Others ran on a progressive platform, like Barry Commoner, who, as the Citizens Party founder, advocated environmentalism. Then there is the eccentric George Francis Train, who charged admission to his 1872 campaign rallies. And they’re just the start!

Day of the dead celebrations, Calavera Catrinas, and ancient death rituals. Death is a major theme in modern and indigenous Mexican culture, and in the past century, the worship of Santa Muerte (Holy Death) has reached cult status. Some claim she is a modern reincarnation of the Aztec death goddess Mictecacihuatl, others understand her image to be an interpretation of La Virgen de Guadalupe, the Mexican Virgin Mary and a national symbol. One thing is certain, her history is as mysterious as it is complicated, and all who venerate her have their own understanding and relationship with “La Santisima”. Join guest speaker Sarah Chavez, director of the Order of the Good Death and co-founder of The Collective for Radical Death Studies, and facilitator Maria Del Carmen Rivas Brooklyn-born historian, educator, and death artist in a conversation and introduction to Mexican death culture and the cult of Santa Muerte.

Conscious Oblivion is a new durational performance by Iván Sikic, co-curated by Katya Grokhovsky and Harry Weil, presented as part of Green-Wood‘s annual Día de los Muertos celebrations‪ in conjunction with The Immigrant Artist Biennial 2020: Here, Together!