I OUTREACH


Day of the Dead Observance at the

Florida Museum of Natural History

The Dia de los Muertos Celebration was a big success! Close to
 300 guests spent the evening of November 1 at the Florida
Museum of Natural History (FLMNH) to honor the Mexican
tradition of remembering the spirits of deceased loved ones. UF
professor and Center affiliate, Susan Gillespie ( .,,11 ... .1-..-' ,
opened the evening with a presentation on the Aztec notion of
souls and the pre-Colombian roots of the holiday. David
Steadman, Curator of Cii .l.1.._- for the museum, gave a
virtual bird-watching trip through the Mexican desert.
 In addition to the talks, visitors of all ages gathered to admire
the festive altar adorned with memorable photos, flowers,
favorite foods and other small offerings. Other activities
consisted of the craft tables where age did not limit those who
participated in coloring Mayan-inspired masks, making giant
tissue paper flowers and cutting papel picado designs. The
museum was a wonderful setting for this special co-sponsored
event by the FLMNH, the Center, the student group, Mexicans in
C-., ,'. A ii., and Chipotle Restaurant.
 In respect for the significance of this holiday to Mexican
culture, the Center for Latin American Studies Outreach
Program has created a Day of the Dead traveling suitcase. This is
a great tool for cross-cultural education at all levels. Please visit


 A Day of the Dead altar at Florida Museum of Natural History.



the Outreach website for details (http://www.latam.ufl.edu/out-
reach/outreachlib.html).
-Contributed by Mary Risner, Associate Director, Outreach


FL 20071