Day of the Dead in the USA: The Migration and Transformation of a Cultural Phenomenon (Latinidad: Transnational Cultures in the United States)

the Tribute, El Dia De Los Muertos, Has Become Popular Since The 1970s When Latino Activists And Artists In America Began Expanding Day Of The Dead North Of The Border With Public, And Often Artistic, Expressions. Regina M. Marchi Combines Ethnography, Historical Research, Oral History, And Cultural Analysis To Explore The Transformations That Occur When The Tradition Is Embraced By The Mainstream. Day Of The Dead In The Usa Provides Insight Into The Power Of Ritual To Create Community, Transmit Oppositional Messages, And Advance Educational, Political, And Economic Goals. Honoring relatives by tending graves, building altars, and cooking festive meals has been an honored tradition among Latin Americans for centuries. The tribute, "el Dia de los Muertos," has enjoyed renewed popularity since the 1970s when Latino activists and artists in the United States began expanding "Day of the Dead" north of the border with celebrations of performance art, Aztec danza, art exhibits, and other public expressions. Focusing on the power of ritual to serve as a communication medium, Regina M. Marchi combines a mix of ethnography, historical research, oral history, and critical cultural analysis to explore the manifold and unexpected transformations that occur when the tradition is embraced by the mainstream. A testament to the complex nature of ethnic identity, Day of the Dead in the USA provides insight into the power of ritual to create community, transmit oppositional messages, and advance educational, political, and economic goals. Examines How Day Of The Dead Celebrations Among America's Latino Communities Have Changed Throughout History, Discussing How The Traditional Celebration Has Been Influenced By Mass Media, Consumer Culture, And Globalization. An Ancient And Modern Festival -- Mexico's Special Relationship With Day Of The Dead -- Day Of The Dead In The United States -- Ritual Communication And Community Building -- U.s. Day Of The Dead As Political Communication : A Moral Economy -- Day Of The Dead In The U.s. Media : The Celebration Goes Mainstream -- The Expanding Hybridity Of An Already Hybrid Tradition -- The Commoditization Of A Death Ritual. Regina M. Marchi. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 171-184) And Index. An ancient and modern festival Mexico's special relationship with Day of the Dead Day of the Dead in the United States Ritual communication and community building US Day of the Dead as political communication : a moral economy Day of the Dead in the US media : the celebration goes mainstream The expanding hybridity of an already hybrid subject The commoditization of a death ritual.