Day of the Dead

Día de Muertos On Central Avenue

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November 2nd, 2024

 

For GPS Locations use: 
1120 Central Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66102

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CELEBRATION PROGRAM:

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Face Painting - 11:00am - 5:00pm

Food, Art, Ofrendas, Car Show - 12:00pm - 9:00pm

Live Entertainment - 2:00pm - 6:00pm

VIP Lounge - 2:00pm – 8:00pm

Walking Catrinas - 3:00pm - 6:00pm

Parade - 6:00pm - 7:30pm

All fun ends at 9:00pm

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Day of the Dead (Spanish: Día de Muertos) is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico, in particular the Central and South regions, and by people of Mexican ancestry living in other places, especially the United States. It is acknowledged internationally in many other cultures.

 

The multi-day holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to ask for the wellbeing of and remember friends and family members who have died, and help support their spiritual journey.

 

Prior to Spanish colonization in the 16th century, the celebration took place at the beginning of summer. Gradually, it was associated with October 31, November 1 and November 2 to coincide with the Western Christian triduum of “Allhallowtide”: All Saints' Eve, All Saints' Day, and All Souls' Day.

 

Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars called “Ofrendas”, honoring the deceased using “Calaveras”, Aztec marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting graves with these as gifts.

 

Scholars trace the origins of the modern Mexican holiday to indigenous observances dating back hundreds of years and to an Aztec festival dedicated to the goddess “Mictecacihuatl” The holiday has spread throughout the world, being absorbed within other deep traditions for honoring the dead.

 

It has become a national symbol and as such is taught (for educational purposes) in the nation's schools. In 2008, the tradition was inscribed in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

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