November 1, 2025

13th Day of the Dead at Fleisher Art Memorial

Clear skies, no rain, a bit chilly but perfect for a memorable Day of the Dead organized by La Calaca Flaca, a Philadelphia Latinx committee, with the support of Fleisher Art Memorial. La Ofrenda will always be the heart of this day and the reason we come together to reunite with our dear departed and honor and celebrate them in a joyful and festive manner. The main artist, María de los Ángeles Hernández del Prado, spent over 6 months embroidering pieces of fabric with one idea in mind: to honor her homeland, specifically her home town San Juan Amanalco de Becerra, a municipality in the state of Mexico. The mission was accomplished as her many creations adorned the entire Sanctuary space of Fleisher Art Memorial. Maria was also focused on creating an Ofrenda with all the traditional elements she grew up with. This included flowers, decorated picture frames, food, beverages, fruits, grains and many rebozos. There were also separate Ofrendas for children and pets for the first time in 13 years.

Before opening the doors to La Ofrenda we did the largest procession to date through the streets of our neighborhood guided by La Llorona (the official Calaca of South Philadelphia) on top of La Calacleta (the altar on wheels). This year, Joaquina Cuba, the designated artist to give La Llorona a makeover, involved the community in a series of embroidery workshops in which each participant embroidered a flower from their birth place. Joaquina collected over 20 pieces which she then sewed together to make a dress revealing the Mexican flag along with all the flowers of our community.

While La Ofrenda is center stage in the Sanctuary, outdoors we celebrate with the community by showcasing our local Latinx talent, including El Mercado de las Calacas (a market), food trucks, El Festival de los Niños (Children’s Fair with our very own ColorWheels), traditional dances by local children’s folk dance ensembles Ñuuxakun and Tonantzin, Aztec cultural dances by Huey Xolotl and two local bands with both traditional and new sounds, Son Revoltura and Las Mariposas Galácticas.

Art is framed by references and many of them are cultural, based on tradition and geography. Art is also a way to understand each other and inspire others. El Día de los Muertos at Fleisher continues the organization’s mission of creating an accessible space for all where we explore the diverse art lexicon and support our beautiful communities. Thanks to everyone who was part in any way of this great event.

Gerard Silva

Director of Exhibition & Community Outreach

Fleisher Art Memorial

 

---

Your support makes community events like this possible. Help us continue this beautiful tradition for years to come, and donate today.