The iconic Mexican tradition of honoring and remembering the departed was celebrated across Philadelphia with vibrant altars adorned with cempasúchil flowers, the scent of white copal incense, and the rhythmic energy of Aztec dance that opened cultural and musical gatherings throughout the city.
For the fourth consecutive year, visual artist César Viveros installed his altar featuring pre-Hispanic sculptures at FDR Park on October 25.
Artist Virginia Rivera, from the Mexican Cultural Center, dedicated her altar to feminist singer Francisca Viveros Barradas, known as “Paquita la del Barrio,” at the Penn Museum on November 1. The event included a traditional altar contest, highly appreciated by the community.
In South Philadelphia, the organizing committee of Fleisher Art Memorial’s Día de Muertos celebration held its 13th edition on Saturday, November 1. Highlights included the Children’s Festival, “El Mercado de las Calacas,” and the Procession of La Calaca Flaca featuring “La Llorona.” Guest artist María Hernández, originally from the Otomí community of San Juan Amanalco de Becerra in the State of Mexico, dedicated her altar to “México Lindo y Querido,” offering a colorful and abundant tribute.
On Sunday, the Mexican Business Association organized a festive bike parade and a decorated float as part of its celebration. Artist Claudia Peregrina was responsible for the altar. That same day, vendor Verónica Pérez also hosted a Día de Muertos event at the Mercado Latino in FDR Park.
Also on Sunday, chef Dionicio Jiménez, originally from San Mateo Ozolco in Puebla, Mexico, installed a traditional altar at his restaurant, Cantina La Martina, located in Kensington. This marked the final community event at that location, which has now closed its doors in that neighborhood. The renowned restaurateur will take a break before opening a new restaurant elsewhere in Philadelphia.
On Monday, November 3, the Consulate of Mexico hosted its own Día de Muertos celebration. Finally, on November 8, artist Verónica Ponce de León will dedicate her altar to the iconic Mexican American singer Selena at the “Open Kitchen and Sculpture Garden” of Pedro Ospina, continuing a tradition she has upheld at that location for several years.