SEATTLE — Día de los Muertos of Day of the Dead will be celebrated during a four-day event in Seattle.
Seattle Catrinas Festival will run daily from 2 to 10:30 p.m. from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3 at Town Hall Seattle.
Day of the Dead traditions in Mexico include community gatherings, "fiestas" (parties), dancing, live music, "ofrendas" (altars), and more.
Seattle Catrinas Festival 2024 is in its third year.
"This recognition is an honor, but it also brings a deep responsibility to every member of our festival family," said Carlos Alvarado, CEO and founder of the festival. "The Day of the Dead is not a time for mourning, but for honoring and celebrating the lives and legacies of those who have passed. The Seattle Catrinas Festival embraces this vibrant tradition with an unforgettable celebration that pays tribute to our loved ones."
Another member of the festival team, Erika Orozco joined KING 5 Weekend Mornings to talk about the special tributes families will experience during the four-day event.
To see the interview and "live" Catrinas and one Catrín in the KING 5 studio - click the video player above.
The family-friendly festival will include the sounds of mariachi, captivating art, cultural performances, Aztec dancers, handmade crafts, delicious food, and dozens of living Catrinas and Catrines.
Each piece of artwork displayed at the Seattle Catrinas Festival is lovingly handcrafted by Mexican families, according to Alvarado, who travel thousands of miles to share their culture and traditions with the Pacific Northwest.
Children under 3 can attend for free.
"Enjoy your life," Alvarado said. "And embrace your death."
About Day of the Dead:
Day of the Dead is a blend of Mesoamerican ritual, European religion and Spanish culture. The holiday is celebrated in Mexico and arts of Latin America from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2.
According to tradition, the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on Oct. 31 and the spirits of children can rejoin their families for 24 hours. The spirits of adults can do the same on November 2. Nov. 1 through 2 is All Souls Day or the Day of the Dead.