Día de Muertos

Celebration of remembrance at Esther Short Park

Vancouver Ballet Folklorico invites the community to celebrate and honor the memories of departed loved ones at Esther Short Park on Saturday, October 22 from 4-8 p.m.

Born in a tradition that dates back centuries, Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is traditionally joyfully celebrated during the first two days of November. Customarily, families celebrate the remembrance of the dead through the creation of altars in the home (ofrendas), public festivals with treats specific to the holiday, traditional music and dancing, the visiting and maintenance of graves, and the creation of mock-epitaphs (calaveras literarias) dedicated to living friends.

The festivities at Esther Short Park will include traditional Mexican dancing and music, guest artists, catrinas (skeletal art specific to the holiday), the lighting of luminarias, and an ofrenda to the beloved deceased.

This free, family-friendly event will take place rain or shine.

Volunteers are still needed to make this event a success, with multiple options for volunteer activities throughout the event. Volunteers are asked to register here.