Celebrate Dia de Los Muertos in Downtown Decatur: A Vibrant Cultural Extravaganza

Lillie Beth Warner • October 27, 2023

The streets of downtown Decatur are coming alive once again with the vibrant colors and rhythms of Dia de Los Muertos, a celebration that honors the lives of the departed!

Mark Your Calendar on November 2nd, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Following the immense success of last year's inaugural event, the Dia de Los Muertos Celebration is returning to downtown Decatur on Wednesday, November 2nd, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This remarkable event is the result of a collaborative effort between the Hispanic community, the Alabama Center for the Arts, the City of Decatur, The Princess Theater, and various civic and cultural organizations.

The heart and soul of Dia de Los Muertos lies in its profound cultural significance. This traditional Mexican holiday has grown to be cherished throughout Latin America, serving as a celebration of the lives of those who have passed away. This year's celebration promises to be even more immersive and culturally enlightening. In this blog we will share all that is in store for you at Downtown Decatur's Dia De Los Muertos Celebration!

Dance, Music, and Film: A Multi-Sensory Experience

What all can you experience at this year's Dia de Los Muertos Celebration? Here are some highlights:

Chinelos Dance: Prepare to be captivated by the esteemed dancers from Comparsa Morelense De Alabama as they perform the traditional Chinelos dance. Their stunning costumes and lively moves will transport you to the heart of Mexico's cultural celebrations.
Banda Tierra DeChalma: The musical magic of Banda Tierra DeChalma will grace the event, adding to the lively atmosphere with their captivating melodies and rhythms.
Film Screening of "Coco": Disney's heartwarming and visually stunning film, "Coco," will be screened at The Princess Theater. This enchanting tale beautifully encapsulates the essence of Dia de Los Muertos. There will be a special screening for Decatur City School students on the day of the event at 9:00am and 12:00pm and a special 7:00 PM showing on October 29th open to the public.
Dance Competition: Get your dancing shoes ready because we've got an exciting dance competition lined up at this year's Dia de Los Muertos Celebration! Thanks to the generous support of CAPNA, we're spicing things up with fantastic prizes for the best dancers. Show off your moves and you might just waltz away with an incredible reward. Don't miss the chance to strut your stuff and win big at the dance competition!
DJ Izz: Groove to the beats of DJ Izz as he keeps the party alive with his electrifying mixes at this year's Dia de Los Muertos Celebration!

Community Involvement and Artistry

Students from 12 Decatur City Schools have been actively involved in creating Dia de Los Muertos art projects, generously sponsored by BUNGE. Select projects will be on display at the Alabama Center for the Arts. In addition, the center will host "Un Altar De La Comunidad" or a "Community Altar." This provides an opportunity for the community to contribute tributes to their departed loved ones, keeping with the tradition of Dia de Los Muertos.

An Evening of Color, Music, and Flavor

The main event takes place on 2nd Avenue in downtown Decatur, where the Downtown Decatur Redevelopment Authority, The Downtown Decatur Merchants Association, Decatur/Morgan County Tourism, The Carnegie Visual Arts Center, Decatur Morgan County Chamber of Commerce, and other civic organizations will come together to create a remarkable celebration. The street will be closed, allowing for a colorful evening filled with music, authentic food vendors, art, children's activities, costumes, face painting, and a "Community Corner" for organizations serving the Hispanic community.

The Dia de Los Muertos Celebration is not just an event; it's a celebration of culture, community, and life itself. It's an opportunity to embrace a tradition that transcends borders and brings people together through the joy of remembrance and festivity.

Get Involved and Join the Celebration!

For the latest updates and detailed information about the event, visit the Dia de Los Muertos Celebration on Facebook.

We hope to see you at this unforgettable celebration on November 2nd in downtown Decatur. Come and be a part of a colorful and vibrant evening that celebrates culture, community, and the beauty of life.

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