South Floridians will celebrate the Day of the Dead (DOTD) in Fort Lauderdale. Since 2010 during this sacred time of year, the gate between Florida and Mictlán, the mythological Aztec “Land of the Dead”, opens as thousands of participants costumed like playful skeletons honor their ancestors in a FREE Signature Autumn Event for all of South Florida.
The Day of the Dead (Spanish: Día de los Muertos) is a holiday traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2.] It originated in Mexico and is celebrated broadly across the world. Although associated with the Western Christian Allhallowtide observances of All Hallow’s Eve, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day, it has a much less solemn tone and is portrayed as a holiday of joyful celebration rather than mourning.
The multi-day holiday involves family and friends gathering to pay respects and to remember friends and family members who have died. Fort Lauderdale’s obseverances will take place on Tuesday, November 2 with a candlelight vigil in downtown Fort Lauderdale and on Saturday, November 5th with a processional and celebration.
You are invited to dress in traditional costumes, wear masks and Calaveras makeup and bring props and signs honoring your lost loved ones.
Schedule of Events
MEXHIKA STAGE
4-5:30pm Huizenga Plaza, 32 East Las Olas Boulevard
Indigenous roots of Dia de los Muertos are showcased before the Processional, with Aztec and Mayan performing troupes performing ancient dance and music rituals. Performances by Tloke Nuhake and Mesoamerican Danza.
SKELETON PROCESSIONAL
The ceremony begins 5:00 pm Sharp at Huizenga Plaza, 32 East Las Olas Boulevard
A playful spectacle that honors the Mexican tradition where skeleton costumed revelers animate dozens of 10’-18’ tall giant puppets from Puppet Network and the Puppet Guild of South Florida. Musicians lead the way as this all-ages processional.
FOLKLORICO STAGE 5-11pm
SW 3rd Avenue just South of Broward Boulevard
As the centerpiece of the festival, the Folklorico Stage showcases hundreds of performers presenting the best of traditional folk dance and music traditions from Mexico and throughout Latin America – closing with an amazing Mariachi concert!
BONEYARD BANDSTAND 6pm-4am
America’s Backyard, 100 SW 3rd Avenue
The Boneyard Bandstand opens with New Orleans-styled Brass Bands, reinterpreted with a cool modern twist until 8:30 pm. Then the late-night party continues until 4 AM with sugar skull DJs and high-energy international music scapes.
CRAFT CRYPT 4 PM – 11 PM
ASTA Lot between SW 2nd and 3rd Avenues just south of Broward Boulevard
Over 100 of the top regional handmade independent craft artists converge to present their Dia de los Muertos inspired work at this fanciful bazaar. In Partnership with Indie Craft Bazaar, the Craft Crypt presents one of the best ways to take home personalized unique artisan piece of original art.
LATIN FOOD TRUCK RALLY 4 PM – 11 PM
ASTA Lot between SW 3rd and 4th Avenues across from Revolution Live
Over a dozen of the finest traditional Mexican and Latin American food trucks and restaurant booths from throughout South Florida. Damn Good Hospitality will host 6 indoor/outdoor bars to experience your favorite tequila and cerveza!
For more info on South Florida’s celebration of the Day of the Dead visit:
www.dayofthedeadflorida.com
