Presented by the Hispanic Arts Society and Rise UP Calgary Weekends.
Sunday, October 31, 2021 – 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
(See the Parade route and event program below).
CALGARY – The festive spirit of Día de Muertos, also called Day of the Dead, will rise again this year in Calgary after a break in 2020 due to the pandemic. A Parade, Altar, storytellers from Mictlán, Mexican dances by Viva La Danza and Teótl Dance Group, Mexican music by local artists , and people dressed in colourful outfits will honour the memory of those who have passed. This is a free family event.
The event has 2 parts. You can attend one activity or both. It’s Free with limited capacity. First come, first served. Proof of vaccination is also required for entry. Download your FREE TICKETS!
1. Parade from the Devonian Gardens to the National Music Centre: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
2. Mexican music concert at the National Music Centre’s Performance Hall: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Day of the Dead falls on Nov. 1-2, but we will celebrate it on October 31 this year. This occasion is not about mourning those who have died but about celebrating their lives with a combination of Aztec and Catholic rituals. The altar includes ofrendas (offerings) in memory of the dead and is the focal point of the tradition. The ofrenda, or offering, is an important part of the Día de Muertos tradition. You are welcome to bring a portrait picture of your loved ones to the altar.
Mexican singer Gisela Romero will be one of the performers at the event. Also, Cassandra, Jorge Szeoke, and singer songwriter Neri Villanueva. You will see traditional dance performances by Viva La Danza Mexican Folk Group, and a Day of the Dead mini art show. Alejandra Payán from Téotl Dance Group will be with her dancers in the parade and she will introduce us to the meaning of the Altar de Muertos at the National Music Centre’s Performance Hall.
Visual art is always present in our events. We encourage local artists to exhibit their Day of the Dead-themed art pieces on October 31 (National Music Centre). Deadline to participate: Friday, October 29. You will see paintings from local visual artists Veronica Palafox, Shannon Mckinnon, and Daniela Szeoke.
Due to COVID-19, this year’s event will be a bit smaller. So, hurry to get your FREE tickets.
This event was presented by the Hispanic Arts Society for the very first time in 2019. This year, the Society is partnering with Rise UP Calgary Weekends and is sponsored by the City of Calgary and Calgary Arts Development.
Please note: Day of the Dead is not Mexican Halloween!
It’s important to clarify that besides falling around the same date and using skulls and skeletons, Día de Muertos is different from Halloween. Nothing in Día de Muertos is associated with evil spirits or scary events.
Do you want to participate in the Parade?
Guests and participants are required to have sugar skull makeup and colourful outfits. If you are not part of the parade you don’t need a ticket. Just show up!
Parade participants registration & FREE ticket for the concert: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/d-ia-de-muertos-parade-mexican-music-concerts-tickets-193343685167
PROGRAM
3:00 PM Meet at Devonian Gardens: https://goo.gl/maps/8Vp6Pm5xf6kL8oNB6
3:30 PM Mexican Tale by Mictlán (Mexican storytellers)
3:50 PM Parade begins
4:15 PM Central Library
Mictlán Performance (Mexican storytellers)
5:00 PM End of Parade at Studio Bell/National Music Centre: https://goo.gl/maps/7hg6mF2A73V6aHdv7
- Location: Performance Hall
- Welcome
- Day of the Dead Altar meaning by Alejandra Payán
- Viva La Danza
- Mexican Music Concerts
- Art Show
9:00 PM End of program
9:00 End of the Program
For media inquiries or more information contact: info@hispanicarts.ca | website: hispanicarts.ca