Celebrate the Day of the Dead with Vancouver Ballet Folklórico
October 9, 2023
Vancouver Ballet Folklórico will host “Luminarias Día de Muertos,” a free Day of the Dead event, from 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at Esther Short Park, 605 Esther Street. Event sponsors include the City of Vancouver and other local organizations.
Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is an ancestral observance that remembers and honors those who have died. It is a celebration deeply rooted in indigenous culture, predating colonization in Mexico. Día de Muertos continues to be observed by people of Mexican heritage in many regions around the world.
Everyone is invited to attend Luminarias Día de Muertos and learn more about this traditional festival. Attendees will experience a Procession of the Ofrendas (offerings) and Burial of Sadness, beautiful luminarias (small paper lanterns), traditional dancing by Vancouver Ballet Folklórico and Huehca Omeyocan, live music from Mariachi Mexico en la Piel and Ne Plus Ultra Jass Orchestra, a visit from La Catrina, and an altar to the beloved deceased. Family activities and food and art vendors will be available throughout the park.
Luminarias Día de Muertos is open to all ages. The event is outdoors and will continue as scheduled, rain or shine, so please dress for the weather. Seating in the park is very limited, but attendees may bring their own chairs to use on the lawn.
Event volunteers are needed to provide support in a variety of areas on October 21. Learn more and sign up to volunteer at cityofvancouver.us/events/dia-de-muertos.
Learn more about Vancouver Ballet Folklórico at www.vbfolklor.org.
Contact: Melody Burton; Marketing Manager, Vancouver Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services,
melody.burton@cityofvancouver.us, 360-869-8746