Did You Know El Paso Has A Funeral Museum?

You know here at KISS FM we love us the ghosteses. We tell you all about ghost tours in and around El Paso, and have even checked out the history of Dia de los Muertos.

Because of the heavy Hispanic heritage here on the border, Dia de los Muertos is an important celebration for many in El Paso. Dia de los Muertos has also become a huge thing in the United States. People love the La Catrina makeup and the whole mythology surrounding Dia de los Muertos. A couple of years ago, I found out that the artist who first drew 'La Catrina', Jose Guadalupe Posada, first drew her as a caricature of upper class Mexican ladies who painted their faces with makeup to lighten their skin and emulate wealthy Europeans. Posada was making fun of the ladies, and the upper class in general, who he saw as turning their backs on their native Mexican heritage.

The whole ceremony surrounding funerals is something Catholics and Hispanics take very seriously, and because there are so many rituals and traditions, the Perches family put together a funeral museum. From the museum's website:

"The museum serves as an educational resource with materials designed to focus on learning. This Funeral museum has real artifacts, dioramas, and exhibits that provide a unique and interesting environment that fosters learning for all ages."]

The museum is located at 6111 S. Desert Blvd., and is free of charge, but they do accept donations. They're open Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. You can book a tour or private event by calling (915) 581-0102.