Workshop Series
MMARP’s Annual Workshop Series creates opportunities for students, scholars, and members of the wider community to engage with Mesoamerican languages, histories, and living cultural traditions. Each year, MMARP organizes a Nahuatl Workshop in the spring and a Día de los Muertos Workshop in the fall.
Led by invited scholars, educators, and cultural practitioners, these workshops combine presentations, discussion, and participatory learning. This page documents the continuing series and features photographs and highlights from previous workshops.
Spring Series
Nahuatl Workshop (Coming Soon)
Held annually in the spring, MMARP’s Nahuatl Workshop introduces participants to Nahuatl language, history, religion, and cultural expression.
Led by invited scholars and language educators, the workshop provides an accessible and collaborative setting in which participants can explore Nahuatl vocabulary, pronunciation, texts, and cultural traditions. No previous knowledge of Nahuatl is required unless otherwise indicated.
Fall Series
Día de los Muertos Workshop
Held annually in the fall, MMARP’s Día de los Muertos Workshop explores ancient funerary practices and processions, their historical and cultural meanings, and contemporary expressions associated with the commemoration of the dead.
Through presentations, discussion, and participatory activities, invited scholars and cultural practitioners examine Día de los Muertos in relation to Mesoamerican traditions, colonial encounters, and its continuing significance in Mexico and beyond.
Upcoming Workshop
Workshop "The World in Between: Ancient Roots of Día de los Muertos" with Professor Javier Urcid
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
3:00–5:00 p.m.
Braun Room, Swartz Hall
Harvard Divinity School
Join MMARP for a workshop with Professor Javier Urcid exploring the historical and cultural foundations of Día de los Muertos.
Drawing on archaeological evidence, colonial histories, and his fieldwork in Oaxaca, Professor Urcid will discuss the ancient Mesoamerican roots of practices associated with the commemoration of the dead, together with the Spanish and colonial influences that contributed to their later development. The workshop will consider how these layered histories inform contemporary Día de los Muertos traditions.
The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session.
This event is open to the Harvard community and the general public. Registration is not required to attend but highly encouraged.
Getting There
Swartz Hall is located on the Harvard Divinity School campus, near the Harvard Square and Porter Square MBTA stations. Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation when possible.
Parking
Limited metered and public parking is available in the surrounding area. Visitors driving to campus should allow additional time to locate parking.
Accessibility
For accessibility-related questions or accommodation requests, please contact MMARP's coordinator, Mélida Buentello-Olivo at mbuentelloolivo@fas.harvard.edu.