WHY THE PREHISPANIC OUTFITS?
Mictlanticutly & Mictlantizihuatl
The guest artists on stage, dressed in prehispanic attire, embody the gods of Xibalba/Mictlan. Their names are Mictlanticutly (male entity) and Mictlantizihuatl (female entity). As rulers of all souls in the Mayan and Aztec underworld, they are the ones who summon the spirits we wish to honor on the altar-stage — whether through song, dance, or visual presence. Watch their movements closely: every gesture commands the souls to traverse the bridge between Xibalba and the altar-stage, guiding them to appear, to be remembered, and to return to the underworld. Their presence orchestrates the rhythm of memory, life, and the eternal journey of the spirits.
Where is the Xibalba play taking place?
Xibalba unfolds on the final segment of the bridge that, each early November, stretches from the Mayan and Aztec pyramids in the underworld to our altar, which becomes the stage in the living world. Our audience stands along the path, witnessing the parade of souls crossing the bridge — from Xibalba, to be remembered, and back to Xibalba, to rest once more.
Who came up with the idea of Xibalba in Oslo?
Jonas Roman Cadena
The renowned visual artist Jonas Cadena, one of the members of Mexperience came up with the idea 10 years ago. We realized we can adapt the concept every year with new artists and new memories. Check his web page: https://www.artcadena.net/
Why are all artists wearing catrin/catrina makeup?
Every guest artist is representing a soul that is visiting us from Xibalba/Mictlan and they are not alive so they should represent a Catrin/Catrina in the Mexican traditional way. On backstage we are preparing each of them to be ready to follow the underworld gods commands from the Altar/Stage.
Why we have international artists on this Mexican Celebration?
As Xibalba continues to grow and reach beyond borders, we also carry with us the memories of those who shaped its spirit. As an example: In 2024, we lost our dear Brazilian friend Tania Oliver — a luminous presence whose energy still echoes in our work. To honor her memory, we have invited Brazilian artist Bruna Santana to sing the songs Tania loved, letting her voice weave remembrance into melody, and love into sound.
Which artists are we going to remember this 2025?
- Paquita la del Barrio.
- Selena.
- Juan Gabriel.
- Violeta Parra.
- Mona Strand
- Silvia y Villalba
What are the Participation Rules for Xibalba?
Our guest artists are invited to create one or more performances based on the following guidelines:
1.- A performance inspired by the traditional Mexican Day of the Dead.
2.- A performance related to the concept of death according to the artist’s country of origin.
3.- A performance in memory of a deceased artist, preferably one who passed away recently.
4.- A performance that recreates or is inspired by something the chosen deceased person enjoyed doing in life.
Where to find historical xibalba info?
Why Xibalba and/or Mictlan?
We use these names continuously as a way to honor and remember Mexico — its roots, its mythology, and the deep spiritual connection between life, death, and art that still inspires us today.