Living with the Ancestors: Day of the Dead Celebrations in Mexico – Lecture

Living with the Ancestors: Day of the Dead Celebrations in Mexico
with Pedro Guillermo Ramon Celis
Free public lecture

The Mexican tradition of the Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) holds a special place in the hearts of many. During this presentation, Celis will explore the vibrant celebration’s rich cultural background by exploring its history, symbolism, and contemporary significance. He will elaborate on the unique blend of indigenous traditions and Catholicism that has given rise to this one-of-a-kind cultural event. Through colorful imagery and insights into this celebration’s diverse forms in various parts of Mexico, we will gain a deeper understanding of the Day of the Dead’s impact on Mexican identity and its enduring global appeal. This talk is an excellent opportunity to discover the beauty and meaning behind this iconic celebration that bridges the realms of life and death.

Pedro Guillermo Ramon Celis is a Doctoral Candidate in Anthropology at Indiana University and Teaching Fellow at Purdue University Fort Wayne,  in addition, he has a background in both Sociocultural Anthropology and Archaeology. With more than a decade of dedicated experience, his work has revolved around research projects in the southern state of Oaxaca, Mexico since 2009. His primary research focus lies in exploring the intricate relationship between the Zapotec people and their ancestors in archaeological contexts.