By: Tyler Schultz Photo courtesy of: K Space Contemporary
Dia de los Muertos has long been a celebrated tradition in South Texas, with roots in Mexican culture having been observed by our southern neighbors since the 16th century. The celebration is a time of remembrance and commemoration for the lost lives of friends, family, and loved ones.
The annual festival, hosted by K Space Contemporary and Axis Tattoo, has brought rich flavors, vibrant colors, unique art, live music, and the celebration of life and death to the Coastal Bend for the past 14 years. Though the annual Dia de los Muertos festival itself has changed and altered over the years, the significance has never faded. In the same way, this year’s festival may look a little different but the celebration is all the same.
As a result of the continued rise of COVID cases in the area, event coordinators determined the safest course of action for the festival was to scale back this year’s event. Even with the changes, K Space Contemporary and Axis Tattoo believe that “while things will look a little different, the festival’s goals remain the same: to celebrate and honor the rich cultural heritage of Mexico and South Texas, unite our community, and promote our city.”
Even scaled back, there’s plenty of ways to enjoy this year’s Dia de los Muertos Festival. Now through November 12th, K Space Contemporary is hosting a variety of exhibitions and vendors to celebrate Hispanic heritage and celebrate the holiday. Throughout Downtown Corpus Christi (and a few other areas of town), you’ll find events, a tour of altars, an ofrenda display, and more. Event coordinators stepped up to the plate, planning a safe and fun celebration for the tradition.
Full Schedule of Events:
Now through November 12:
Tienditas de Dia de los Muertos at K Space Contemporary
Various Dia de los Muertos Art Exhibitions at K Space Contemporary
Ofrenda at La Palmera Mall Concierge
Dia de los Muertos Festival Photography by Debbie Noble at La Palmera Gallery
Virtual Altar Exhibition w/ an Ofrenda Slideshow (submissions open to all)
October 25th through November 12th:
Youth Art Exhibition – Mil Milagros at Fresco
Miniature Cemetery Window Display at Axis Tattoo
October 29th through November 5th:
Walk of Remembrance Community Ofrenda Display at The Ritz Theater
October 28th through November 12th:
Self-guided Downtown Altar Tour and Contest
October 30th:
Decorate a Sugar Skull at K Space Contemporary from 5:00PM to 6:30PM
Tienditas Sip & Shop at K Space Contemporary from 5:00 to 9:00PM
For more information about any of the specific events listed above, head to the official Dia de los Muertos website.
