PHILADELPHIA—Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, in partnership with the Mexican Cultural Center and the Consulate of Mexico in Philadelphia, presents the forth Celebración de Día de Muertos or Day of the Dead Celebration in LOVE Park, which will feature cultural events,  a monumental altar installation and a community bike ride.

The kick-off event will take place on Friday, October 13, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., in Philadelphia’s iconic LOVE Park (1600 JFK Boulevard). To begin the celebrations everyone is invited to the inauguration of the altar “No me olvides”, created by renowned Mexican artist José Martín Anguiano Hermosillo, on display through Friday, November 3, and to enjoy the cultural dancing performances by “Canpatlaneci Danza Azteca del Anahuac” and “Ñuuxakun” by teacher Andrea García.

Día de Muertos is a popular Mexican holiday that honors loved ones that have passed.  This celebration is a rich combination of traditions and bright colors, with its origins based on activities and beliefs of indigenous communities of Central and South Mexico. Day of the Dead is traditionally commemorated on November 1 and 2 when families and friends gather to create ornate altars, usually made up of at least three levels, with diverse elements on each level.

Día de Muertos events:

• Kick-off event and inauguration of the altar: Friday, October 13, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
• Cultural presentations: Pre-Hispanic performance by “Canpatlaneci Danza Azteca del Anahuac” and folkloric dance by “Ñuuxakun” by teacher Andrea García.
• Day of the Dead bike ride: Saturday, October 28, 10:00am-1:00 p.m.
• A 3.5-mile bike ride, in which participants will be encouraged to dress up as Catrinas or Calaveras and decorate their bikes with Day of the Dead free accessories. Cyclists are welcome to bring their own bike or borrow one from Indego at the point of meeting.
• The goal is to reach LOVE Park, visit the altar installation, and discover the true meaning of the altar and Day of the Dead traditions in Mexico through the eyes of the artist José Martín Anguiano Hermosillo.

All events and activities are free and open to the public.

“No me olvides”

José Martín Anguiano Hermosillo’s ofrenda explores the theme of love ones dying far away from us, this is a sentiment that resonates with people everywhere. Death has no geographic boundaries, and it often strikes unexpectedly. It can be challenging to find closure and a sense of connection. Yet, Dia de los Muertos offers us a beautiful and powerful way to bridge that gap. In this celebration, we create ofrendas, or altars, dedicated to our departed loved ones.

The altar will be installed in the center of LOVE Park’s iconic fountain from Friday, October 13 through Friday, November 3.

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) advances the prosperity of the city and the progress of her people through intentional and sustained stewardship of nearly 10,200 acres of public land and waterways as well as through hundreds of safe, stimulating recreation, environmental and cultural centers. PPR promotes the well-being and growth of the city’s residents by connecting them to the natural world around them, to each other and to fun, physical and social opportunities. PPR is responsible for the upkeep of historically significant Philadelphia events and specialty venues, and works collaboratively with communities and organizations in leading capital projects and the introduction of inventive programming. To learn more about Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, visit us at www.phila.gov/parksandrec, and follow @philaparkandrec on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Mexican Cultural Center is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization devoted to promoting understanding and awareness of the cultural and artistic diversity of Mexico and its influence in the Delaware Valley in the United States. Founded in 1994, the Center serves as a networking hub for those interested in Mexican Culture. The MCC is supported by contributions from corporations, individuals, memberships and self-generated revenue. Visit us at www.mexicanculturalcenter.org and follow @MccPhilly on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Consulate of Mexico in Philadelphia is the diplomatic representation of Mexico in the states of Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the eight counties of southern New Jersey. It serves a Mexican population estimated to be over 300,000 people, by providing various documentation services, legal advice and protection, as well as by carrying out various programs and events to advance the image of Mexico through the promotion of trade, tourism and culture. For more information, visit: https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/filadelfia and follow @ConsulmexFila on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.