Where to Celebrate Di de los Muertos in the South End and Beyond
Da de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a Mexican and Latinx holiday honoring those who have passed through celebration, dance, offerings, art, and food. Just following Halloween, Da de los Muertos is celebrated on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2. It is a joyful celebration and remembrance of family and friends who have died. Scenes of colorful flowers and dresses, skeleton painted faces, and decorated altars are all hallmarks of this holiday.
This year, we rounded up an assortment of events in Seattle, South King County, and beyond. Be sure to check them out for days of celebration, rich cultural traditions, and more. If we missed an event and you would like us to add it, please fill out our event form here.
Tacoma Art Museum Da de los Muertos Festival
Friday, Oct. 29 through Sunday, Oct. 31
1701 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402
Traditionally, families honor the dead with beautifully decorated ofrendas (altars) full of art and offerings for their loved ones who have passed. These altars are laden with food, sugar skeletons, flowers, clay figurines, personal messages, and items. This year, visit the Tacoma Art Museum to see a number of community-built ofrendas and artist Fulgencio Lazo's tapete (sand painting). You can also check out the museum's Di de los Muertos event website for more musical performances and crafts.
PrePS Dia de Los Muertos Fundraiser Event
Saturday, Oct. 30, 12—4:30 p.m.
4212 South Mead St, Seattle WA 98118
Catholic Community Services Pregnancy and Parenting Support is fundraising to keep supporting King County Families. With free Mexican hot chocolate and sweet bread, the PrePS Di de los Muertos outdoor fundraiser event will be held in the St. Edward's Catholic Church parking lot. There will be Mariachi, folkloric dance, traditional food and snacks, a 50/50 raffle, and a walk-up COVID-19 vaccine clinic offering the Pfizer and J&J vaccine, and booster shots. Learn more on their Facebook event page!
Entre Hermanos Dia de Muertos Gala
Saturday, Oct. 30, 5:30 p.m.
The Renaissance Hotel, 515 Madison Street Seattle, WA 98104
This year, Entre Hermanos is celebrating its 30-year anniversary by honoring the dead and continuing the fight for LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights. Entre Hermanos has been serving the Latinx LGBTQ+ community since 1991 with legal services, education, health services, and more. All event proceeds of this Gala benefit the health and well-being of the Latino LGBTQ+ community. The event will include live artist performances and a live auction.
Bakescapade Pop Up
Saturday, Oct. 30 (Burien), 11 a.m. — 5 p.m.
452 SW 153rd Street, Burien, WA 98166
Sunday, Oct. 31 (Renton), 10 a.m. — 1 p.m.
226 Main Ave South Suite B, Renton, WA 98057
Pastry chef Karen Sandoval couldn't readily find pan de muerto in Seattle, so she decided to make her own and sell it this year through a Bakescapade pop-up. Her flavors include Orange & Anise , Pumpkin, or Black Cocoa with optional fillings of Nutella or Dulce de Leche. The pop-up will be available in Burien on Saturday and in Renton on Sunday.
Burien's Di de Los Muertos
Monday through Friday, Nov. 1—5, various times
Various in-person locations and virtual
Burien's Da de los Muertos 2021 celebration is here with a week of fun virtual and in-person offerings to celebrate the Day of the Dead. Tour Da de los Muertos art installations and altars featured all around downtown Burien. You can check out where to find art on their Facebook event page. Other activities include picking up a craft kit from the orange Discover Burien booth at the Burien Winter Market in Burien Town Square Park, making a Catrina Felt Ornament with Amaranta Sandy, or joining KCLS's Adriana Morales on Facebook for storytelling.
Amanda Ong (she/her) is a Chinese American writer from California. She is a recent graduate of the University of Washington museology master's program and graduated from Columbia University in 2020 with degrees in creative writing and ethnicity and race studies.
Featured Image: Original photo by AGCuesta /Shutterstock.com
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Before you move on to the next story …
The South Seattle Emerald™ is brought to you by Rainmakers. Rainmakers give recurring gifts at any amount. With around 1,000 Rainmakers, the Emerald™ is truly community-driven local media. Help us keep BIPOC-led media free and accessible.
If just half of our readers signed up to give $6 a month, we wouldn’t have to fundraise for the rest of the year. Small amounts make a difference.
We cannot do this work without you. Become a Rainmaker today!
