Type

Walking Tour

Level

A - Diversion

Status

Opened

Fastpass+

No

About

‘Remember Me!’ La Celebracion del Dia de Muertos is a gallary of artwork that highlights the Mexican tradition of Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead).

 

Location

Located inside the Mexico Pavilion in the entrance area before the ramp down to the shops, Gran Fiesta Tour and San Angel Inn

 

Appeals To

Fans of Mexican culture, Fans of the movie Coco

 

Times Guide – Opening/Closing

This location typically opens at 11 AM with the rest of World Showcase.

 

Story

Remember Me! looks at the traditions of the Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) and its inspiration on the upcoming Disney Pixar movie Coco.

Dia de Muertos is a two day celebration that takes place on November 1st and 2nd every year. One day honors departed children and the other day honros departed adults, each with parades, festivals, music and Mexican cuisine.

The exhibit space highlights the artistry of the cultural celebration as represented in paper sculptures, and other artwork. One of the pieces of artwork that's highlighted is titled Bridal Couple. It was created by a father and son in Mexico City whose family has been hand-making this type of celebratory art for more than 300 years.

Around the gallery, different displays highlight various aspects of Dia de los Muertos:

History of the Holiday
According to the ancient Aztecs, there was a vast underworld called Mictian that was ruled by the great goddess Mictecacihuatl, also known as "Lady of the Dead." For one month every summer, the goddess would open the gates of her massive underworld so that the dead could visit their living family and loved ones back on Earth. What resulted was a joyous celebration that marked the beginnings of Dia de Muertos - more than three thousand years ago.

In the 16th century, Spanish settlers arrived in Mexico, bringing with them many new Catholic traditions - including two special holidays reserved for honoring the dead. Eventually Dia de Muertos was moved to the first two days of November so that the Mexican holiday could be celebrated alongside All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.

Today, Dia de Muertos or "Day of the Dead" is a national Medican holiday that has maintained elements of both the indigenous and Catholic observances.

Skeletons at Play
From a very young age, children in Mexico are taught that death is a natural part of life. Many Mexican folk artists create happy skeleton toys and games for Dia de Muertos as a reminder to enjoy life while you're still living it!

Who is the Fancy Woman?
In the early 1900s, the popular Medican caricaturist and satirist Jose Guadalupe Posada created an image of a grinning female skeleton wearing an oversized hat with elegant feather plumes and flowers. This glamorous skeleton "Catrina," was meant to poke fun at elite society and was a humbling reminder that nobody, not even the rich and famous, can escape the hand of death. Nearly a century later, the iconic La Calavera Catrina is one of the most recognized symbols of Dia de Muertos and her likeness is depicted in almost every form imaginable, from miniature dolls to larger-than-life parade floats.

Skeletons at Work

Durign Dia de Muertos, skeletons are often used to mock the idea of death. Here, happy calacas are depictred going about their normal everyday lives; running errands, working, relaxing, and playing sports. These types of figurines reflect activities the dead most enjoyed in life and are often displayed on afrendas and collector's shelves.

An interactive component of the exhibit opened on July 1, 2018 where guests could look at a "Mirror of the Dead". The mirrors make guests appear like the skeletal afterlife characters featured in the movie Coco.

 

Historical Notes

Previous exhibits in this area include Animales Fantasticos and La Vida Antigua.

Beginning on July 1, 2018, the "Mirror of the Dead" component debuted.

 

Similar Attractions

Similar walk through attractions exist throughout World Showcase, these walk through attractions include:

 

Photos