New Epcot Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) Exhibit Opens at Mexico Pavilion in Advance of Disney-Pixar Film “Coco” (75 Photos)

Hi everyone!

There is a new exhibit at the Epcot Mexico pavilion called “Remember Me!’ La Celebración del Día de Muertos”. Many Disney parks have displays and celebrations currently for Day of the Dead, which is the inspiration for the upcoming Disney-Pixar animated film “Coco”. Day of the Dead was first noticed by me at Disneyland many years ago, and there is a large Day of the Dead presence at Disney California Adventure this year. Unlike DCA, I didn’t see anything for “Coco” mentioned here yet, but there are 3 or 4 displays not yet filled. It certainly helps Disney guests learn more about the Mexican celebration, which is held on November 1st and 2nd each year. I learned quite a bit that I didn’t know.

The exhibit features new art as well as artifacts that are hundreds of years old, blended nicely in display cases throughout the gallery. This is already my favorite exhibit that has run here. There is no current end date on it.

The exhibit is inside the Mexico pavilion, in the gallery before you go into the shop and dining area.

“Remember Me!’ La Celebración del Día de Muertos”.

This explains what Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is.

There is more time than life.

This is a new (2017) bridal couple that is the centerpiece of the room.

This explains the bridal couple.

This explains the Mexican holiday further.

Día de Muertos is on November 1st and 2nd, but is not the same as Halloween.

Before looking at photos from the display cases, here is our video “A Musical Celebration of Coco” from Disney California Adventure, it features several songs from the movie (the film soundtrack is available for pre-order). Not only is there a show, but other musical performances, food, a remembrance area, a “Coco” exhibit and more. It runs through November 2nd, 2017. We will eventually have a video of the Epcot exhibit after it is finished. Plus I will add more photos at that time.

Skeletons and skull figures.

Skeleton Mariachi Band.

Group of Skeletons at Everyday Activities.

These are newer items, including a skeleton bride and groom.

This is called Fancy Grandma.

History of a Holiday.

We just looked at newer figures, these are artifacts.

Skull from 1250-1520.

Mayan Ocarina Depicting the Death of God Ah. From 600-800.

Mayan Whistles from the 800-900 time frame.

Flying Flute Player Vessel. No date given.

Quetzalcoatl and Mictlantecuhtli Over Cipactli/Tialtecuhtli. From 1475-1500.

There are about four displays with these signs. I expect something “Coco” tied in officially, but nothing has been said one way or the other about it yet.

Sugar skull display.

Here is a look at a couple of skulls.

This explains what sugar skulls are and the art behind them.

This explains the skulls.

Sugar skull art.

One of the artists behind the new items in the display, Rob-O, talks about sugar skulls.

Behind the bride and group centerpiece are a dog and cat, the dog also with the top hat and the cat with a butterfly (a frequent symbol for the holiday).

Here is a close up on the cat.

This display talks about the craft of papel picado.

If you have seen banners for Day of the Dead, that is papel picado. Currently, you could see them at Cars Land at Ramone’s in Disney California Adventure as well as in the Paradise Garden Grill location during the celebration, and I believe in Disneyland at Rancho del Zocalo at their display. I didn’t even know the name of this as an art form until this exhibit.

More information about papel picado.

A piece of art in the exhibit.

This display case is about Catrina, a popular female skeleton that is meant to convey that death comes for everyone, even the rich. Here are a handful of photos from the case.

This case is Skeletons at Play.

There are a variety of skeletons and skull toys.

Death is a Jaguar Warrior piece.

A wood puzzle with a skeleton man and woman.

Most of the items in this case are created recently.

Sun and skull shrine.

This one item is older, no date given – a Posada Glass Box that is on loan from the Museum of Anthropology at Wake Forest University.

This is a skull created in 2017.

Group of tin ornaments.

Skeleton toys.

And more from the history of the holiday.

Mayan Jaina Clay Figure from 800-900.

Coiled Snake from around 1250.

Mayan Figurative Whistle from 800-900.

Hummingbird Whistling Pot.

Owl Effigy Jar.

Skeleton Harvester Jar.

Mayan Ocarina from 800-900.

Mayan Figurative Whistle.

And on the wall, artists who were part of this exhibit are profiled.

The Linares Family created the centerpiece.

Rob-O designs sugar skulls.

I definitely recommend stopping by the gallery at the Mexico pavilion to see “Remember Me!’ La Celebración del Día de Muertos”! And definitely check out Disney-Pixar “Coco” when it releases November 22nd, 2017.