Furthering our exploration of Mexico through the "¡Viva Mexico!," Passport to the World Program, the University of Kentucky Libraries introduces us to the whimsical folk art of Alebrijes from Oaxaca, Mexico. These carved and decorated figures of animals can be found in the William T. Young Library. In this podcast, Francie Chassen-Lopez, co-chair of the "¡Viva Mexico!" Program and a professor in the Department of History, and Dara Vance, a graduate student within the Department of History, discuss the history and production of Alebrije and what can be found in the exhibit. Head to the William T. Young library to check out the exhibit and take a photo of your favorite Alebrije - don’t forget to share online and tag as #vivamexico to share it with your friends and the University! Click for more information about alebrije or the exhibit.
It’s a good weekend to be a hispanista in Lexington. Granted we’ve had a great fall; from the Lexington Latino Festival to the many activities surrounding the Arts and Sciences Passport ¡Viva México! program, those of us who love the Spanish language and Hispanic culture have been busy. Still, this Friday and Saturday are special.
This weekend we celebrate Día de los muertos, or Day of the Dead, a well-known holiday that has become increasingly popular in the US. On November 1st and 2nd, families throughout Latin America (but especially in Mexico) build altars and visit cemeteries to remember loved ones who have passed away. The holiday is joyous, despite the macabre theme. Día de los muertos is a time to laugh with death, to accept the fact that we’re all headed that way eventually, and to give those we have lost a place at our table for the night. Here are some suggestions for how you can celebrate this weekend, just follow the hyperlinks to more information about and directions to the events. ¡Qué vivan los muertos!
Robert Rodriguez, El Mariachi - Presented by the Late Night Film Series, the Hispanic Studies Department and A&S Passport to the World ¡Viva México! Free Screening.
Ven a ver la pelicula Robert Rodriguez, El Mariachi; presentada por the Late Night Film Series, el Departamente de Estudios Hispanos y el proyecto ¡Viva México! La entrada es gratuita.