Jacobs’ Cultural Celebrations and Performances Series to present first annual Dia de Los Muertos celebration. Courtesy photo
SAN DIEGO–The Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation (JCNI) is partnering with Izcalli to present the first annual Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead festival on November 1, as part the Jacobs Presents Cultural Celebrations and Performances Series.
The free community event, which promises to be San Diego’s largest Day of the Dead celebration, will take place at Market Creek Amphitheater and Festival Park, 310 Euclid Avenue (behind Food 4 Less), from noon to 8 p.m.
“We are proud to have an opportunity to partner with Izcalli to celebrate the history and deep roots of the Day of the Dead,” said Reginald Jones, President and CEO of JCNI. “We believe the authenticity of the program, combined with the cultural celebration and vibrancy will resonate with our community and become an annual tradition.”
Organizers include five native tribes that will help ensure that the day is full of meaning and respect for the ancient tradition. “We are actively reclaiming the history and culture of Day of the Dead and introducing it to a new generation,” explained Macedonio Arteaga, Executive Director of Izcalli . “All activities are designed to help honor and educate participants as we bridge Native Mexican and American tribes with community members to have a respectful collaboration celebrating Dia de los Muertos.”
Day of the Dead is a time when we give ofrendas (offerings) to those deceased. It’s a time to honor their journey in the spirit world. Dia de los Muertos is a day to eat, drink and celebrate the multitudes of the human spiritual experience.
As an added bonus, the day-long free event will feature performances by Grammy Award-winning bi-lingual Latin band Quetzal, winner of 2013 Grammy for Best Latin Pop album. This Los Angeles-based group are leaders and innovators of Chicano music. The band was founded with the intention of pushing the boundaries of Chicano music and is currently one of Los Angeles’ most important and successful bands.
The Market Creek Amphitheater stage will showcase local and international talent throughout the day including nationally recognized comedy troupe Teatro Izcalli, DanzArts- Sabor Mexico Dance Company, traditional native dances, Mariachi bands and many more. Authentic Day of the Dead altars will be built by five indigenous tribes from Mexico while a number of community altars will be on display. Over 150 lowrider cars will be on view courtesy of the San Diego Lowrider Council, many of them featuring tributes to the ancestors with altars.
During the festival there will be a blessing by the Kumeyaay Nation, traditional Mexican food, Calavera face painting, hands-on workshops, a Catrina competition and Calaveritas (poems of the dead).
A number of local visual artists will display their work including Tribal and Dyse1. A graffiti art mural, designed by Hector Villegas, will be completed by Writerz Blok and community members during the festival. Partners for this event include Quetzal, Ragtops CC & San Diego Lowrider Council, Cocio, Tribal Gear, and Dyse 1.
For more information, visit www.izcalli.org/teatro, or www.jacobspresents.com
