Calmecac Indigenous Organization at the Museum's 2023 Indigenous People's Day Celebration.
HOUSTON (Oct. 17, 2024) – Get ready for an electrifying November at Children’s Museum Houston, where we're turning up the excitement with three unforgettable cultural events which will spark curiosity, creativity, and connection! From the festive spirit of Día de los Muertos to the radiant glow of Diwali, and the rich traditions of Native American Heritage Month, each event is packed with hands-on activities, jaw-dropping performances, and endless fun for the whole family. Don’t miss this trio of celebrations where culture and creativity collide!
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
Saturday, Nov. 2
Step into a world where tradition meets creativity at Children’s Museum Houston’s colorful Día de los Muertos celebration! This vibrant Mexican holiday is all about honoring the past while celebrating the present, and we’ve packed the day with activities that will light up your imagination and fill your heart with joy. It’s a fiesta you’ll never forget!
- Build Your Own Ofrenda! Craft a mini ofrenda diorama, a heartfelt tribute to loved ones, decorated with offerings just like the traditional altars seen during Día de los Muertos.
- Transform Into A Sugar Skull! Get your face painted like a festive calavera and step into the iconic look of this holiday.
- Dance Your Heart Out! Be dazzled by the high-energy moves of Intempo Dance as they bring the spirit of celebration to life with every step.
- Unleash Your Creativity! Dive into hands-on cultural crafts like creating your own alebrijes, designing skull masks, making quirky Q-tip skeletons, and bringing your personal touch to a calavera puppet.
DIWALI: THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Sunday, Nov. 3
Get ready to brighten your world as Children’s Museum Houston lights up with the magic of Diwali, the Festival of Lights! This vibrant celebration of Indian culture is bursting with creativity, color, and joy—perfect for sparking your imagination and immersing you in rich traditions. Let’s light up the Museum together in the most dazzling way possible!
- Get Glowing With Creativity! Craft your own beautiful paper diyas—traditional oil lamps that will light up your Diwali celebration and warm your heart.
- Color Your World! Dive into the art of Rangoli, where you’ll create stunning, intricate patterns with vibrant colors, just like the mesmerizing designs seen in homes across India.
- Feel The Rhythm! Be amazed by a stunning Silambam Houston performance, as dancers bring to life the beauty and grace of traditional Indian dance. Prepare to be captivated by every move!
- Story Time Magic! Get swept away by a Diwali story time that will transport you straight into the heart of this joyous festival, where stories of triumph, love, and light will leave you enchanted.
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION
Saturday, Nov. 16
In partnership with Calmecac Indigenous Organization
Prepare to be captivated as Children’s Museum Houston proudly honors Native American Heritage Month with a spectacular day of cultural exploration! Join us in a hands-on journey through the rich history and traditions of Indigenous peoples, where every activity is designed to ignite curiosity and celebrate the spirit of community.
- Craft Your Own Connections. Create beautiful dreamcatchers, weave colorful bracelets, shape corn husk dolls, and explore the art of sand creations that tell a story with every grain.
- Step Into History with Storytelling. Gather ‘round for authentic Native American tales that have been passed down through generations, bringing ancient wisdom to life.
- Feel The Rhythm! Be mesmerized by the powerful, traditional performances of Danza Azteca Splendor—ahigh-energy showcase of cultural pride through Aztec dance.
- Join The Circle! Don’t just watch—be part of the music! Immerse yourself in the heartbeat of songs and drum circles, where you’ll experience the rhythm of Indigenous heritage firsthand.
- Handle History. Get a close-up look at ancient artifacts at our viewing table and try your hand at corngrinding like it was done in the old days—no modern gadgets here!
*Activities, events and times subject to change.