Wellingtonians invited to celebrate the Day of the Dead

20 October 2013         Press Release

Wellingtonians invited to celebrate the Day of the Dead

Mexico’s famous celebration of the dead – el Dia de los Muertos - will hit the streets of Wellington on Saturday 2nd November.

The Day of the Dead is an ancient tradition when Mexican’s honour the spirits of their deceased ancestors, paying homage with colourful altars in their homes and all-night vigils in cemeteries.

“This tradition may sound macabre to those who haven’t experienced it, but actually it’s a joyous time. It is a celebration of both life and death, reminding us of the short cycles here on earth that we are all part of, like a flower,” explains organiser Jorge Herrera. This is the 6th consecutive year The Day of the Dead has been celebrated in Wellington (the first time being in 2008).

In Wellington, celebrations will take the form of a ceremony in the Paramount Theatre followed by a street parade on Saturday 2 November. All Wellingtonian’s are invited to participate.

Anyone who wishes to join the street parade can have their face painted skeleton-style at the Paramount between 3:00 and 6:00pm (be there by 5pm to guarantee your face will be painted).

At 6:00pm a ceremony in honour of the Day of the Dead will feature a colourful mix of poetry, dance and music from around the world and Latin America. A highlight will be a reading of work by pre-hispanic poet and philosopher Netzohualcoyotl, translated into English. This will take place before an altar, decked out with flowers and traditional offerings to the dead.

The parade will depart from the Paramount at 7:15, then proceed to Trade Aid on Victoria Street. A ‘cumbia’ band and musicians will ensure the parade features plenty of dancing and singing. More than 100 people are expected to attend.

In the build up to the event, a multicultural community exchange on the Topic of Death will be held in the Trade Aid store (86-96 Victoria Street) on Friday 1 November at 6pm. This will feature a panel discussion comprised of several spiritual and religious communities as well as individuals

“We are warmly extending the invitation to all Wellingtonians to join us and experience the Day of Dead programme.”

Programme of events

FRIDAY 1 NOVEMBER

6:00 – 8:30pm, Trade Aid Store, Victoria Street: Panel discussion with the topic:  “How do your cultural and spiritual beliefs around death and dying, shape the way you live your life?”  Communities and individuals are invited to discuss and share their experiences.

SATURDAY 2 NOVEMBER

3:00 - 6:00pm, Paramount Theatre, Courtenay Place: Have your face painted skeleton-style in preparation for the street parade (be there before 5pm to guarantee your face will be painted).

6:00 - 7:15pm, Paramount Theatre: A ceremony in honour of the Day of the Dead will feature a colourful mix of poetry, dance and music from around Latin America. This will be held before a traditional altar decked out with flowers and offerings to the dead.

7:15 - 8:15, Street Parade: A procession will depart from the Paramount at 7:15 and end at Trade Aid on Victoria Street. A Cumbia band will fill the streets with music and there will be dancing and singing along the way.

9pm onwards, The Grand, Courtenay Place: After-party and fundraiser for the Mexico’s Zapatista movement. Dance the night away to Latino beats with: Mariachi Trio Fidel Pimentel & Cumbia Blazera. DJ Gonzalez & DJ Deskontrol.  Entry by koha.  

ENDS

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