Día de Muertos

On the 2nd of November, the Helinä Rautavaara Museum will open its doors to celebrate the Day of the Dead. As a tribute to those who have passed away, artists Rosamaría Bolom and Paola Nieto are curating this celebration in which Jaranas del Norte collective will facilitate a Fandango titled “To our deceased loved ones”. Fandangos are community celebrations in Mexico where people gather to play, sing, and dance Son Jarocho (mexican folk music)  as well as to socialize and share. 

We build a memorial altar at the museum space, along with a common table for food and refreshments. In this space, we will gather to evoke the most memorable moments and experiences that we shared with our loved ones.

In Mexico, the Day of the Dead is celebrated in the end of October and beginning of November. Families set up altars in their homes in memory of their deceased loved ones. According to traditional beliefs, the dead come to visit their relatives, and families place on the altar the visitors’ favorite foods and objects, as well as decorations, religious elements and candles to guide the deceased on their journey.

We invite you to participate in this celebration

You may participate in the following ways:

• Contributing food and/or drinks to share at the collective table.
• Bringing flowers, photos, electronic candles, or any other small objects for the altar.
• Bringing musical instruments you may have at home, or simply coming as you are, with your best attitude to join us in this celebration through dance and singing. In the fandango we follow safer space guidelines, and encourage people of all backgrounds and ages to join and contribute with their uniqueness.

Program

• 3pm. Welcome and contribution to the altar and collective table.
• 3.30pm. Opening words by the Helinä Rautavaara Museum, the Embassy of Mexico in Finland and the curators. 
• 3.45pm – 6pm Fandango de Día de Muertos by Jaranas del Norte. 

Founded in November 2019, Jaranas del Norte (Grisell Mcdonel-Kvist, Yesmith Sánchez, Ludivk Moreno, and Paola Nieto) is a collective that performs and promotes the musical, lyrical, and dance traditions of Son Jarocho in Finland. In addition to celebrating the memory of our deceased loved ones, this occasion will be special as Jaranas del Norte celebrates their 5th anniversary.

The Day of the Dead Altar is made in collaboration with the Embassy of México in Finland. 

We look forward to seeing you with happy hearts!