"Ubeel Pixan" is a Mayan term meaning "the path of souls" or "the path of spirits." It refers to the Mayan belief that the souls of the deceased make a journey to reconnect with their living relatives during festive times, such as the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). This concept is similar to the belief that the deceased can return on certain days of the year to spend time with their families and be honored.
Families await their deceased and prepare for them the "Hanal Pixan," also a Mayan term meaning "food for the souls." During Hanal Pixan, families prepare special foods and offerings to honor and nourish the souls of their departed loved ones. This celebration typically takes place in late October to early November and includes rituals that include decorating altars (ofrendas) with food, drinks, flowers, and other offerings. The celebration is an expression of the belief that the souls of the deceased return during this time to be with their living relatives and enjoy the food offered.
These celebrations are primarily a study of family and autobiography. A family biography is a written account of the history and experiences of an entire family across multiple generations. Unlike autobiography, which focuses on the life of a single person, family biography includes the life stories, events and experiences of several family members. This allows us to understand who we were, who we are and where we are going.
In this sense, it is the most beautiful and sensual celebration of the year!
This year, the exhibitions will be presented in collaboration at the Austrian Latin American Institute (LAI) and at Lichtraum eins by Paul Siblik. Experience the magic of these days with us on October 24 and 25, 2024.
Our cooperation partners:
)%20(2).jpg)
The exhibition U Béel Pixan is one of the largest collaborations we have been able to realize to date. We greatly value this collaboration between various associations and the great artists and hope to be able to continue it in the future. U Béel Pixan brings a piece of Mexico to Austria and lets you immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the Mexican Day of the Dead.
We invite you to explore our photo gallery and take in the impressions of this special exhibition. We hope you like the pictures and that we can welcome you in person soon.
Ubeel pixan
the path of souls
the Camino de las Animas
The Day of the Dead in Mexico is a fascinating tradition that is admired worldwide. This celebration combines pre-Hispanic and Spanish elements and is a key part of Mexican cultural heritage. UNESCO recognized the importance of this cultural manifestation and included it in the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008. She defined them as traditional, inclusive, representative and communal.
In the Mexican Imaginarium it is believed that on November 1st and 2nd the deceased are allowed to return and be with their families. For this reason, welcome celebrations are held where altars are designed according to regional traditions. Families gather to honor their deceased, whether at home or in cemeteries.
This year, the Latin America Institute, the World Museum Vienna, the Cultural Institute of Mexico in Vienna and Lichtraum eins by Paul Siblik invite you to the festivities and various events that will take place in honor of our deceased. Further information about the events can be found on the respective homepages or under the following links:
Light room one by Sonia Siblik:
https://lichtraumbysoniasiblik.com/#ubeel-pixan
World Museum Vienna:
https://www.weltmuseumwien.at/programm/dia-de-muertos/
Latin America Institute:
https://www.vhs.at/de/e/lai/diademuertosviena2023# exhibitionnbspmemorias-de-vida-y-muerte-erinnerungen-des-lebens-und-des-todes
Cultural Institute of Mexico in Vienna:
https://instituto-cultural-de-mexico-en-viena.mailchimpsites.com/dia-de-muertos
