With tensions high in the Pilsen neighborhood amid immigration crackdowns , art is offering a way for community members to unite and celebrate Mexican culture.

The National Museum of Mexican Art opened its 39th annual exhibition of “Día de Muertos: A Celebration of Remembrance” on Sept. 19. Rooted deep in Mexican heritage, the Day of the Dead (observed Nov. 1-2) honors loved ones who have passed away.

There are many beliefs about what happens when someone dies, and different artists captured their own ideologies in their artwork.

Attendance was scarce at the annual Pilsen Mexican Independence Day parade last month and Elisa Soto Sánchez, the museum’s curatorial and exhibitions associate, was expecting the same at the new show, but hasn’t seen much of a difference.

On opening night,

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