Since 2018, October has been known as Latin American Heritage Month. This serves as a chance for Latin American communities in Canada to remember, celebrate and share their culture and traditions with other Canadians. Saint John is no exception, and a Latin American Heritage Month wouldn’t be complete without a Día de los Muertos festival!

Día de los Muertos, or The Day of the Dead, is a traditional Mexican festival. Recognized by the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organziation) as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, its roots are embedded in history.

Over 3000 years ago, an ancient civilization called the Aztecs held rituals to honor the dead in what is now Mexico. They gave their deceased food and drink to help them on the difficult journey to the afterlife. Ancient Europe also had celebrations for the dead, which the Roman Catholic Church converted into All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Throughout the Middle Ages, Spain would illuminate graves and cover them with flowers to light the dead’s way home. Then, during the 16th century, these traditions were brought to the New World by Spanish conquerors. By combining these traditions, Día de los Muertos was born.

On Día de los Muertos, the real world and the spirit world are connected. In a festival that includes dancing, playing music, drinking and feasting, the deceased are guests of honor. Families decorate homemade altars or graves with offerings for the souls of the dead. These decorations include flowers, candles, and stacks of food. The celebration has a big emphasis on skeletons and skulls. People wear skull masks and eat skull shaped sugar candy. In fact, one of Día de los Muertos’ biggest icons is a 20th century painting called La Calavera Catrina.

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Saint John’s Día de los Muertos aims to capture the essence of this festival and connect communities through art. Fabiola Martinez, artist and director of Día de los Muertos Saint John, is involved in the festival on a deeply personal level. “As a Mexican artist living in New Brunswick, this celebration allows me to embrace and share my heritage with the community in a meaningful way.” She then went on the explain the collaboration between students, artists, and creators that went into the festival.

“Together, we use art as a bridge to share our stories, celebrate our culture and honour this meaningful tradition. At its core, the festival is more than just a celebration—it’s a way to connect through the creative process. Art allows us to explore our shared humanity, and this event is a space where everyone can contribute, regardless of their background or experience.”

The festival is filled to the brim with many people and activities. Music alone includes many musicians such as Dee Hernandez, a band called Los Amigos, a DJ named DERB, and more. Anyone looking to dance can join Heidi Hudson and Renzo de Salvo in an intro class to the art of Kizomba dance. There are also performances by Rothesay Ballet and Stilts Acadie. Día de los Muertos Saint John will feature many artists. For their Indigenous Programming, they’re working with Tara Francis, a Mi’kmaq artist. Self-taught painter David Chávez Andrade uses the rich colours of his native Mexico for his vibrant style

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Día de los Muertos Saint John takes place at Area 506 on Saturday, October 26, from 6 to 11pm. It’s completely free to attend, and everyone is welcome. Although it is no way required, students can wear costumes to participate in the festival more fully. A traditional Mexican costume is ‘Catrina’ or ‘Catrin’, skeletal figures that represent the souls of the dead. Other common symbols of this celebration are marigold flowers and monarch butterflies. If interested, get creative and match the vibrant and festive spirit of Día de los Muertos!

When asked what UNB Saint John students can expect from attending, Fabiola Martinez detailed the immersive cultural experience and traditional elements. “It’s a unique opportunity to engage with Mexican culture, understand the significance behind Día de los Muertos, and appreciate how art can connect people across different backgrounds. I hope the experience leaves them with a deeper appreciation for this beautiful celebration.”