‘Let’s celebrate life because we are not dead’: Día de Muertos comes to the Hanging Gardens
“In remembering them we remember we are alive”: Find out what is Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) and here’s where can you celebrate in Hobart >>
Events
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Mexico’s tradition of a carnival to reunite the living and the dead is making its way to Hobart on Thursday night.
For Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, families and friends come together at the end of October to early November with vibrant music, costumes, dancing and food to honour their deceased loved ones.
“The day of the dead is a celebration of life, it is not a celebration of death,” event organiser Angela Esquivel said.
“Let’s celebrate life, because we are not dead.”
Ms Esquivel’s business partner is from Mexico, and she said when she has visited the country during the Día de Muertos, cities become a “carnival” and lost loved ones’ spirits can be felt.
“We are remembering our families and in remembering them, we remember we are alive,” Ms Esquivel said.
She has organised a Day of The Dead festival in Hobart for the past five years, attracting hundreds of people each year.
This year, at CBD location In the Hanging Garden, she is bringing top Latin DJ, DJ Don Juan, to enhance the dark night of music, dance, and rich cultural tradition.
There will be a traditional Mexican altar set up for attendees to honour their own loved ones by bringing a photograph and/or their favourite food.
People are encouraged to dress up and take part in the celebrations, with a free makeup artist on site from 8pm-10pm to transform people into the well-known and satirical La Calevera Catrina, or sugar skulls.
Ms Esquivel said when Mexico was colonised by Spain, the Spanish who came to America were seen as living comfortably, and dressing well.
The Catrina is a satirical piece of art that mocks the upper class and has become ubiquitous with the Day of the Dead.
Ms Esquivel said there was a small Mexican community in Hobart, with free entry on offer to anyone with a Mexican passport.
The festival starts 8pm on Thursday. Tickets and details at www.inthehanginggarden.com.au
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