Norwalk, CA – El Clasificado hosted its 17th annual Día de los Muertos Celebration on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at its headquarters in Norwalk, CA. This special event united business and community leaders as well as El Clasificado partners for an evening steeped in culture, networking, and entertainment.
Kicking off with a lively 360-degree photo booth provided by Eddie Sakaki, all in attendance were able to relax in a casual setting modeled after the Al Borde lounge with authentic Mexican food and drinks setting a festive tone for the evening leading up to the main event of the evening, the reveal of the Día de los Muertos altar. Crafted by El Clasificado employees, the altar was adorned with photos and memories in honor of loved ones lost. Later, the crowd gathered around a beautifully designed altar, crafted by an in-house artist and adorned with photos and mementos contributed by El Clasificado employees to honor their loved ones.
Coupled with music and Cantaritos (tequila-based cocktails originating from Jalisco, Mexico) provided by El Cantarito 44, the night provided not just an opportunity to remember family and friends who had passed before, but also to celebrate their memories. Singer Daniel Mondragón engaged warmly with the audience, while the graphic artist Janet Figueroa captivated visitors with her live drawings and showcased her two new comic books for sale.
Dr. Curtis Perris, from Dr. Restore and a current El Clasificado online client, shared his thoughts: “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I had a fantastic time meeting people, enjoying great food, drinks, and experiencing cultural traditions,” referring to the calavera face painting by professional artists from Sexy Makeup Studio. Live music began at 7 pm, encouraging guests to dance and sing along to popular pop and rock hits, both current and nostalgic. Dr. Perris’ wife, Julie Garcia Perris of Friendly Hills Financial Residential, remarked, “We’ve been using El Clasificado for six years. It’s essential for connecting with the Spanish-speaking community and underserved Latino audience in need of professional services.”
Also, in attendance was current El Clasificado client, Ana Luz Quintanilla from Alianza Latina who not only enjoyed the festivities, but also took time to note the success that the media company has been able to help bring for her business stating, “Advertising in El Clasificado has been my primary method for attracting business and clients, utilizing both the magazine and the company’s online services.”
Included in the business leaders in attendance, El Clasificado was also proud to see so many active advertisers in attendance as the company continually works to build personal connections with clients. This approach aligns with a survey by American Express, which revealed that 80% of consumers consider the customer experience to be as vital as the product or service itself. The ability to embrace this philosophy was fully on display with both the host and the attendees as meaningly and lasting interactions were fostered further.
El Clasificado’s commitment to creating authentic experiences extends to its celebration of cultural events such as Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). This traditional Mexican holiday, observed on November 1st and 2nd, is a vibrant and heartfelt tribute to loved ones who have passed away, celebrating their lives with altars, offerings, and festivities. By acknowledging the importance of such cultural moments, El Clasificado enhances its connection with the community, reinforcing trust and engagement.”
As the night continued, guests enjoyed traditional pan de muerto from La Venadita and more champurrado. Attendees left with a limited-edition graphic t-shirt, a collectible tradition crafted by Al Borde and El Clasificado’s graphic artists. This year’s shirt featured a unique Scratch Art silhouette vectorized for silkscreen printing, bearing the inscription “Baila con la Vida, Celebra con los Muertos” (Dance with Life, Celebrate with the Dead) on the back.
El Clasificado and its multimedia platforms are set for an exciting 2025, with events focused on expo for Latino business owners, quinceañeras expos for young girls and families, job fairs for Spanish speaking, health fairs, and special supplements throughout the year.
About El Clasificado
Founded in 1988, El Clasificado, dba EC Hispanic Media, began as a weekly publication serving Spanish-speaking communities. Today, it has evolved into a leading multimedia platform and digital agency that connects individuals and businesses across the U.S. Through ElClasificado.com, the nation’s top online classified marketplace, El Clasificado continues to foster commerce and growth in an increasingly digital landscape.
About Al Borde
Al Borde is a leading cutting edge Latin Alternative media company in the US. We are dedicated to reporting and bringing to light the unique and creative lifestyle of the young Hispanic population. Since the major television networks, radio stations and websites rarely cover the lifestyle of truly “alternative” trend-setters, we figured we would speak on their behalf!
