Thursday, November 1st 5-9 pm at the Living Arts & Science Center
Corner of Martin Luther King Blvd. and 4th Street
Just a suggested donation of $2/person (Most activities included)
Five Reasons Why The Living Arts & Science Center’s Day of the Dead Festival is your chance to experience the rich cultural traditions of Mexico and South America,
No Passport Required.
- Traditional Costume, Dance and Live Music
Probably the most iconic image of the holiday, Lexington’s own Casa de la Cultura KY kicks off the evening with dancers of all ages donning traditional costume and treating the crowd to a colorful celebration of life through dance. Three Mariachi bands (Mariachi Azteca, a Mariachi band from Berea College, and a junior Mariachi band) and guitarist and vocalist Jose Rivera keep the atmosphere lively with performances throughout the evening.
Don’t miss the Matachines a traditional men’s dance from Aguascalientes. The dance originates from a combination of pre-hispanic and colonial music and dance.
See examples of these traditional dances from past festivals at : https://ket.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/mexican_dance5/matlachines-dance-arts-toolkit/
- Traditional Food Available for Purchase
From savory to sweet; tacos to tamales and more…Maria’s Kitchen and Taqueria Los Nietos and Churros’ culinary treats always delight. Don’t leave without a hot churro made fresh on-site.
- Sugar Skulls and other Traditional Crafts
Whether having your face painted with a skull, or painting a sugar skull in the traditional style with sugar molds and icing ($2 fee) everyone leaves with sugar skulls dancing in their heads. Kids (and adults, we won’t tell!) can also make a floral headband, dancing Calavares or a skull lantern to take home.
- Beautiful Candlelight Parade
When the sun goes down, the celebration really begins. Dancers and musicians lead candle-lit festival goers around the block to Christ Church Cathedral’s Old Episcopal Burying Ground for an alluring exhibition of altars.
- Exhibition of Altars
Local artists and community groups fill the burying ground with altars or ofrendas in memory of loved ones lost. Look for traditional decorations of marigolds, monarchs, photographs, food and memories of the beloved displayed in over 20 unique altars. Take part in the Bluegrass Care Navigators Community Altar by leaving a (non-returnable) story or a small photo of someone whose life you’re celebrating.
In its 11th year, the Living Arts & Science Center’s Day of the Dead Festival is a cultural event the whole family will enjoy. Admission to the festival is FREE (a $2 suggested donation is appreciated) and will entertain all of your senses, providing a tour of the traditions of this beautiful Mexican and South American holiday.
This free community event is sponsored by:
