In the heart of Las Vegas, a city known more for its blinding neon lights than its cultural tapestry, the Las Vegas Natural History Museum is undertaking an initiative to showcase the melting pot of holiday traditions that make up its community. Running through the end of December, the museum's halls are adorned with festive displays as part of their "December to Remember" exhibition, highlighting how various cultures celebrate this time of year. "Almost all people around the world are celebrating something this time of year," Marilyn Gillespie, Founder of the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, told FOX5.
The event began on November 14 and promises to not merely display cultural artifacts but to also deliver engaging workshops and performances, with local community groups and civic organizations running the show. Grace Njoroge, the museum's education director, announced the series of workshops set to begin shortly, specifically designed to both educate and immerse attendees in a breadth of international customs. "We have a full schedule of events that will allow people to learn and participate in these celebrations," Njoroge said in a statement obtained by news3lv.com.
The exhibition features 18 different cultural displays, each accompanied by its own QR code. Visitors can scan these to embark upon a digital exploration of each tradition's significance and history. "All of the displays you see are from people in the community coming into share their culture," Gillespie revealed in her interview with FOX5. From Japanese customs, such as the surprising prevalence of KFC during the Christmas season, to the intricate precepts of Italy and the gold mirror inscribed with the 99 names of God in the Islamic tradition, the museum is transforming into an educational vector for global festivities.
Perhaps most intriguing is how the exhibition connects people with the idea of cultural exchange as a norm rather than an exception. Rania Hammoudeh, creator of one of the cultural displays, highlighted the impact of the event, stating, "It just makes us appreciate who we are and who other people are," according to an interview with FOX5. In an era where crossing borders might just mean walking through the next gallery, the museum underscores the strength found in the vibrancy of shared traditions.
The events, which began in 2007, continue to attract both locals and tourists, offering new perspectives and possibly inspiring holiday traditions. The program features various events, such as the Japanese Kizuna Society's exhibitions on Japanese traditions and Xochil Xitlalli's Winter Solstice demonstration on weekends, providing many chances to engage with the museum's cultural offerings. The exhibition runs until December 31, with special events, workshops, and performances listed on the museum's website. It is included with museum admission or membership, highlighting the city's diverse heritage during the holiday season.
