Legend has it that the halls of East Los Angeles’ El Gallo Plaza are walked by spirits. If true, then on Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010, those lost souls did not walk alone.
Over 700 attendees visited the former mortuary in celebration of Al Borde’s 6th Annual Dia de los Muertos Music and Art Festival where music, food, art and dance generated an evening of jubilation and cultural awareness.
The free festival included a Day of the Dead-themed art and altar contest curated by muralist Steven Amado, face painting courtesy of local artists Carlos Nieto III and Taiz Carnewall, and a live art installation painted by art students from local Jefferson High School.
Highlighting the evening and cultivating the crowd with their South and Central American-rooted vallenato and cumbia rhythms was Los Angeles based, La Santa Maria.
Aside from celebrating with art and dance, entire families that attended the event were also stimulated with numerous on-stage giveaways including art pieces, commemorative Al Borde Día de los Muertos tees, cash prizes to the first place art and altar winners, a monetary contribution on behalf of Wells Fargo to Jefferson High School’s art program, and Jack Daniel’s bottles for participating artists.
Al Borde’s 6th Annual Dia de los Muertos Music and Art festival was presented by Southern California Ford Dealerships and El Clasificado. Supporting sponsors were Monster Energy Drinks, Jack Daniel’s, Manzanita Sol, Sierra Mist Natural, Wells Fargo, Verizon Wireless, St. Jude’s Hospital and the Social Security Administration.
About Día de los Muertos
Día de los Muertos or “Day of the Dead” (Mexico, Central America). Traditionally, it is a day to celebrate and honor one’s ancestors. It is based on the belief that there is interaction between the living world and the world of spirits. On the Día de los Muertos the almas, or the spirits of the dead, are said to come back for family reunions. Many families celebrate by setting up ofrendas (altars) in their homes to honor the memory of deceased loved ones and to welcome their visiting souls. Others visit their loved one’s cemetery plot and decorate it with flowers, candles and food. The holiday is celebrated with family, community gatherings, music, and feasting. The festivity of its observance acknowledges death as an integral part of life.
For sponsorship opportunities or more information please contact:
Diana Aghili
Major Accounts Manager
[email protected]
1-800-964-6410
