Head out to Old Town this coming weekend (Oct 28-Oct 30) and admire over 20 beautiful altars created by businesses throughout the heart of Pasadena, as the Day of the Dead celebration commences. This Mexican holiday honors the family and friends that have passed. The weekend culminates with a lively, free Family Fiesta and One Colorado Courtyard’s outdoor screening of an animated film. All events are free admission and open to the public!
Here is the complete schedule:
Friday Oct 28 – Sunday Oct 30 Tour of Altars: Take a self-guided tour in and around Old Pasadena to view traditional and contemporary interpretations of altars created to honor and celebrate the spirits of the near and dear that have departed. Click here for the complete MAP!
Sunday Oct 30, 2:00pm – 6:00 pm Family Fiesta: Learn more about the Day of the Dead holiday during this eventfull and entertaining afternoon. Kids activities include face painting and craft activities. Also featured are Day of the Dead merchandise, artwork from local artisan vendors, photo opportunities, a community altar installation and special performances.
Location: Metro Right of Way Alley between Holly Street and Colorado Blvd., 100 E. Union Street
Family Fiesta Special performances:
Marimba Tropical – 2:00pm & 3:00pm
Marimba Tropical, fronted by musician Lucas Critchfield, performs music from Chiapas, Mexico and Guatemala. Critchfield plays on authentic Chiapan marimbas made in Venustiano Carranza, Chipas by Segundo Vleeschower Borraz, brother of the famous marimba soloist Manuel Vleeschower Borraz (“El Raton”).
Olga Loya – 3:00pm
Born into a storytelling family in East Los Angeles, San Jose-based Olga Loya has a long career in storytelling, charming listeners with her personal tales, magical folklore, improvisation, and colorful interaction with her audiences. Join Olga for her Day of the Dead program, during which she explores the history of the tradition, shares playful stories and folktales, and ends with a moving personal story about her own mother’s death and the altar Olga’s family created for her.
Mariachi Tesoro de Rebecca Gonzales – 5:00pm
Mariachi Tesoro is a multicultural, mixed gender group of professional musicians that performs a variety of genres, including traditional Mariachi to Tex-Mex and Latin Jazz.
In Tlanextli Tlacopan – 5:30pm
Extended members of the Tellez family from the neighborhood of Tacuba (once known as Tlacopan) in Mexico City comprise In Tlanextli Tlacopan, a dance troupe that performs La Danza Azteca (Aztec dance). With spectacular, plumed costumes and ritual dance performances, the group honors both Aztec ancestors and indigenous legacy.
Sunday, Oct 30, 7:00pm: Movie Screening – The Book of Life
The 2014 animated movie follows protagonist Manolo’s mythic struggle between following his heart or his familial expectations. From producer Guillermo del Toro and director Jorge Gutierrez,The Book of Life offers thrilling visuals to accompany Manolo’s journey through fantastical worlds where he confronts his greatest fears and contends with some interesting deities.
Location: One Colorado Courtyard, 41 Hugus Alley
Have fun out there!!
More information on: www.oldpasadena.org
*Photo courtesy of Old Pasadena Management
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