Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at 12:00 noon, free!

Dr. Sherill Spaar (Professor of History [retired], East Central University, and OAS Research Associate) presents a lecture on the ancient Celtic practices that evolved into Day of the Dead observances in the New World. Recent archaeological evidence from Ireland sheds light on Bronze Age burial sites which indicate the beginnings of the later Celtic rituals and traditions of Samhain (SAH-win) which precedes that later Christian celebration of All Saints’ Day—translated into the New World as “Dia de los Muertos”. This talk delves into the ancient European past and the path that leads to the present contemporary practice of this celebration.

The Brown Bag talks will take place at the Center for New Mexico Archaeology at 12:00 noon in the CNMA library. Seating is limited. Admission is free.

The Center for New Mexico Archaeology (7 Old Cochiti Road) is located off of Caja del Rio Road, across from Challenge New Mexico on the way to the Santa Fe Municipal Golf Course. Take 599 to South Meadows Road, continue through the traffic circle west along the Frontage Road to Caja del Rio Road. CNMA is on the left-hand side of the road and is the large building with white sail-like skylights on the roof.