To honor Día de los Muertos, the Penn Museum displayed a variety of cultural expression

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Saturday, November 1, 2025
Penn Museum holds a 'CultureFest!' to honor Día de los Muertos

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- In celebration of the Day of the Dead, the Penn Museum hosted a "Dia De Los Muertos" event for the fourteenth year.

"We're here at the museum to introduce you to archeology and anthropology and to make it accessible for everyone," said Tena Thomason, Associate Director of Public Engagement at the Penn Museum.

This was a collaboration with the Mexican Cultural Center, a nonprofit focused on sharing their traditions in the Philadelphia area.

A large ofrenda was created to honor Paquita la del Barrio, a well-known Mexican singer who passed away this year.

They also had a variety of performances, including dancing and a storytelling session.

"We want them to feel at home. We want them to celebrate their traditions. That's why the Mexican Cultural Center actually produces these events, because we want everybody to know ...we're part of this community," said Ivette Compean, Executive Director of the Mexican Cultural Center.

For more information, check out the video above.

Also, check out their website.

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