Haw Par Villa hosted an authentic Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) Fiesta organised by the Mexican Association in Singapore (Mexasing), with over 3,000 participants from the Mexican community in Singapore as well as locals!
Highlights included piñata bashing, traditional folk dance performances, kids’ craft activities, a Day of the Dead photo exhibition by the Mexican Embassy in Singapore and a stunning candlelit sugar skull procession, led by association members from Mexasing.
Visitors were also treated to a variety of sumptuous Mexican eats and refreshing drinks (Mojito or Margarita anyone?) at the iconic museum courtyard. Bursting with zesty flavours, it was a party for the tastebuds with the colourful selection of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tamales, nachos and esquites. Snack stands dished out freshly made churros and Mexican style popcorn.
The centrepiece was an elaborate 1.8m-tall Mexican altar dedicated to famous Mexican artist, Francisco Toledo (17 July 1940 – 5 September 2019), decorated with marigold flowers and colourful decorative skulls (calaveras).
Traditionally, the altar is created and displayed during Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), which is celebrated between 31st October and 2nd November in Mexico, in remembrance of ancestors or to honour the life of an important person who has passed on. Altar tours conducted by Mexasing during the event gave an insight into the significance of the Mexican altar and Día de Muertos, an opportunity for cross-cultural learning for our local community.
We are pleased to announce that the altar has won a global competition amongst Overseas Mexicans celebrating Día de Muertos.
Generously donated by Mexasing, the altar will become a permanent exhibit at the upcoming Hell’s Museum at Haw Par Villa, which is dedicated to exploring ideas, concepts, and perspectives about death and the afterlife. Visitors to Hell’s Museum will learn more about festivals and rituals related to death and the afterlife across various civilisations, religions, and cultures. The museum will also uncover the philosophies and meanings behind the sculptures and dioramas of Haw Par Villa, including the famous but oft-misunderstood 10 Courts of Hell.