Maissau stages Mexican Day of the Dead festival for first time

The Amethyst World Maissau, an excursion destination in the Weinviertel, is hosting a Mexican Day of the Dead festival for the first time, replacing its Halloween programme. The event runs from 24 October to 2 November, ORF reports.

Known as Día de los Muertos, the festival is a time for families in Mexico to remember deceased relatives through music, flowers, decorated altars and shared celebrations. The tradition has been on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage since 2008.

The Maissau event features colourful decorations, music and activities for visitors. A central feature is an Ofrenda, a traditional Mexican memorial altar where visitors can place photographs of deceased family members.

The programme also includes face painting for children, craft stations and a “walk of remembrance.” The animated film Coco will be shown daily. Mexican music group Los Mariachis Negros is scheduled to perform from 6pm to 8pm on 30 and 31 October, when the attraction will remain open until 9pm.

The festival is also linked to the current special exhibition “Crystal Skulls: Key to Hidden Worlds?”, which displays more than 30 crystal skulls. Family tours will explore the exhibition and the myths associated with the objects.