Online Lecture: Santa Muerte & The Day of the Dead

About this event

Enjoy this free webinar presented by Road Scholar. This webinar is remote only and will not be available in-library. Santa Muerte has been called the “fastest-growing religion in the Americas.” Join religion scholar Brian Carwana for an introduction to this devotion centered on Saint Death—or the “Bony Lady”—a female figure often likened to the Grim Reaper. Her devotees in Mexico and elsewhere have grown rapidly in recent decades, much to the dismay of Catholic and Pentecostal churches. This lecture also explores the Day of the Dead, a tradition that is unrelated to Santa Muerte but also features skeletons in an unusual event that mixes mourning with festivity. Together, these practices offer insight into how death is understood, commemorated, and given meaning in Mexico and other Latin American cultures. General Notes Your online lecture will take place live over the course of 1-2 hours. All times are listed in the EASTERN time zone. If you live in a different time zone, please adjust your schedule accordingly. This live online experience uses Zoom Webinar, an easy-to-use web video service that includes closed captioning. All you need is an Internet connection and your computer. You will receive a confirmation email when you enroll, and a reminder email one week and one day before, as well as the morning of the event with a link and instructions on how to tune in. You will not be pictured on screen during the lecture, but you will have the opportunity to ask the instructor live questions using the Q&A box. Unless otherwise noted, all those who enroll in this program receive access to the live event as well as a recording of the lecture that you can watch any time within the two weeks following the live event. Register for this Free Webinar and enjoy from home! Featured Expert - Brian Carwana Brian Carwana left a business career to follow his passion for world religious and spiritual traditions. He acquired a practical education by listening to religious leaders, visiting houses of worship, and observing services. He also earned a Ph.D. in religion from the University of Toronto. He is now the executive director of Encounter World Religions Centre, an educational organization promoting religious literacy and informed understanding of cultural diversity.