Day of the Dead celebration at Camp North End Nov 2

On Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Latin American Coalition, along with Levine Museum of the New South, is presenting the annual Día de Muertos celebration.

The event will be at Camp North End, 300 Camp Road, Charlotte, NC.

Performances at Day of the Dead celebration at Camp North End in Charlotte — Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC

Admission is free, and there’s lots of free parking at Camp North End. Read on for parking information.

This event will be a local, family-friendly recreation of the Mexican Day of the Dead tradition, including an expansive altar exhibition, traditional face painting, dancing, and live music performances. Attendees will also be able to savor authentic Latin cuisine while learning about the holiday’s deep-rooted traditions.

Día de Muertos is a Mexican holiday with roots in indigenous cultures dating back to the Aztecs that honors the deceased as part of the natural cycle of life. This holiday celebrates death with vibrant customs, symbolizing the belief that it is not the end but a continuation of existence.

Day of the Dead celebration at Camp North End in Charlotte — Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC

New this year, organizers are welcoming the community to participate in the festivities in a variety of ways:

Calaveras Literarias Story Readings: These playful, satirical poems or stories humorously reflect on death and are a traditional way of celebrating the inevitability of morality. At our festival, you can enjoy a variety of Calaveras brimming with wit and charm. Whether you’re a seasoned poet or just love a good laugh, we encourage everyone to get creative and contribute to the fun. Deadline for submission is Oct. 25, and entries will be shared on festival digital platforms. Some will be performed live by the authors during the festival. Criteria for submission and additional information on the event website.

Catrina Parade: Dressing as La Catrina, a traditional figure symbolizing death, is a festive way to acknowledge mortality and honor those who have died. Those interested in representing and/or wearing a costume, visit the event website to register and find more details.

Altar Exhibition: Altars, or ofrendas, are adorned with candles, food, photos, and mementos and are a central part of Día de Muertos, guiding the spirits of loved ones back to celebrate with their families. The festival’s altar setup process spans three days: installation on Friday, exhibition on Saturday, and dismantling on Sunday. LAC will provide each altar creator with fruits, Pan de Muerto, a bouquet of marigold flowers, and possibly incense. For more details and to register to build an altar, visit the event website.

Day of the Dead celebration at Camp North End — Photo: Mace Publishing, LLC

Some of the other traditions that guests can expect at this year’s festival include:

Marigold Flower Making: Marigolds, or cempasúchil, are believed to guide spirits back to the world of the living with their vibrant colors and strong scent.
Criss Cross Mangosauce: This interactive bilingual performance engages children with stories, songs and activities that connect to the traditions of Día de Muertos, fostering a deeper cultural understanding that children will love.
Jewelry Making: Creating and wearing jewelry with symbolic Día de Muertos elements is a way to honor and remember ancestors.
Skull Decorating: Decorated skulls, or calaveras, represent loved ones who have passed and celebrate the belief that death is a joyful continuation.
Folkloric Dancing and Mariachi Band: Song and dance are an integral part of this celebration, symbolizing joy, pride and remembrance through lively, communal expressions.

Learn about more Day of the Dead celebrations in the Charlotte area!