[Photo credit: Kidspace Children’s Museum]
From November 1st to 3rd, families can immerse themselves in a cultural experience that honors departed loved ones, including pets, through art, music, and dance.
The three-day festival, which coincides with the traditional Mexican holiday, offers Pasadena residents and visitors alike a chance to explore the rich customs associated with the Day of the Dead.
The event will showcase a variety of cultural performances, including Aztec dance by Yankuititl on Friday evening, Mexican folklore dances by Técnica Arte y Folklore on Saturday, and mariachi music from the all-female ensemble Las Colibrí on Sunday.
Visitors can participate in art activities, such as creating puppets inspired by a fantastical alebrije puppet made by artist-in-residence Ricky Chávez, a Mexican American puppeteer and puppet builder. The museum will also provide materials for making memory postcards to add to a community “ofrenda” or take home.
The celebration kicks off on Friday during the museum’s Free First Friday evening event. Admission is free starting at 4 p.m., but advanced reservations are recommended due to limited space.
Throughout the weekend, families can enjoy live cultural music and dance performances. Yankuititl, meaning “New Fire” in Nahuatl, will present Aztec dance on Friday at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Saturday’s schedule features Técnica Arte y Folklore, offering contemporary interpretations of Mexican folklore dance with two performances at 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Las Colibrí will close out the festivities on Sunday with performances at 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m., presenting traditional sones, huapangos, rancheras, and innovative arrangements of jazz, rock, oldies, and R&B.
Kidspace Children’s Museum, a nonprofit educational institution, welcomes nearly 400,000 visitors annually to its 3.5-acre outdoor campus. The museum features over 40 hands-on exhibits and various creative play spaces and water features. Kidspace also offers a wide array of free and discounted programs, field trips, and resources for schools to maximize access for children and educators.
The Día de Los Muertos celebration is included with general admission and free for museum members. Tickets can be reserved on kidspace.org.
