DECATUR— The City of Decatur, Alabama is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated return of its Dia de Los Muertos Celebration. After last year’s remarkable inaugural event, we’re back to celebrate this rich and vibrant Mexican tradition. The event is scheduled to take place in downtown Decatur on Thursday, November 2nd, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Building on the resounding success of the first celebration, this year’s Dia de Los Muertos promises to be an even more spectacular and culturally immersive experience. The event continues to be a collaborative effort between the Hispanic community, the Alabama Center for the Arts, The City of Decatur, The Princess Theater, and numerous civic and cultural organizations in the Decatur/Morgan County area.
Dia de Los Muertos, or “The Day of The Dead,” is a traditional Mexican holiday that has evolved into a beloved celebration throughout Latin America. It honors and celebrates the lives of the departed and has been popularized by the Disney film “Coco.” To enhance the cultural experience, “Coco” will be screened at The Princess Theater, with a special showing for Decatur City School students on November 2nd at 9:00 am and 12 pm, and a showing open to the public on October 29th at 7:00 pm.
Students across 12 Decatur City Schools are actively participating in Día de los Muertos art projects, generously sponsored by BUNGE. Select projects will be on display at the Alabama Center for the Arts. In keeping with the tradition of Dia de Los Muertos, the Alabama Center for the Arts will host “Un Altar De La Comunidad” or a “Community Altar.” The community is encouraged to contribute tributes to departed loved ones to the altar throughout the celebration on November 2nd. The Alabama Center for the Arts is a partnership between Calhoun Community College and Athens State University.
The main event takes place on 2nd Avenue in downtown Decatur from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The street will be closed to allow for a colorful evening filled with music, authentic food trucks, vendors, art, children’s activities, costumes, face painting, and a “Community Corner” for organizations that serve or wish to expand their reach in the Hispanic community.
This year, we are thrilled to announce that the esteemed dancers from Comparsa Morelense De Alabama will be joining us, performing the traditional Chinelos dance. Additionally, the Banda Tierra DeChalma band will grace us with their musical talents, adding to the lively atmosphere of the event.
Join us for a memorable evening of culture, community, and celebration at the Dia de Los Muertos Celebration in downtown Decatur on November 2nd, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary experience.
For more detailed information and updates about the event, please visit our Dia de Los Muertos social media outlets:
We look forward to celebrating Dia de Los Muertos with you and your community on November 2nd in downtown Decatur. See you there!
Media Release/Lillie Beth Warner/Director of Communications/Decatur Morgan County Tourism