To view more information, including sponsorship and vendor applications, please visit: Tacoma Cienfuegos Sister City
Mission
Our mission is to produce a free Tacoma Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) event on Sixth Avenue that maintains and respects the cultural essence of the Día de los Muertos tradition, but also interjects a modern aesthetic as envisioned by regional artists. Additionally weekly themed arts and education classes will be held in September and October adding to community participation building to the day of event. A day to remember the dead and party for the living.
Art of Community
The Día de los Muertos tradition is founded on a communal celebration of very personal perspectives on life and death. Through hands-on community events including workshops, interactive art, our Skeleton Processional, ofrendas and more, Tacoma Día de los Muertos Celebration provides opportunities for Tacoma residents and visitors to work together to achieve common community goals. The celebration brings together participants of all skill levels, ethnicities, ages and backgrounds and uses art as a tool to help develop community.
Join the 6th Ave Celebration
- Skeleton Parade on 6th Avenue - A playful spectacle that honors the Latin tradition of skeleton costumed characters lead by Hilltop Heritage Middle School drumline down the sidewalk of 6th Avenue in Tacoma.
- Artisan Vendor - Artists and chefs can sell their Day of the Dead creations.
- Classes - Leading up to the celebration weekly classes will teach people traditional day of the dead crafts.
How to Get Involved?
- Attend one of our classes: come to one of our weekly themed classes centered around Dia de los Muertos arts & education
- Host a class or workshop: you can even propose a new workshop or apply to use your location as a host site.
- Donate to the event: you can donate themed items or gift cards to be distributed at event.
- Sponsor the Celebration: this is a community-driven event, and we could not do any of it without our generous
sponsors. IF you would like to support your community, think about becoming a sponsor today. - Hand out candy during parade: your business can hand out candy to children as well as promotional items to adults that walk by during the parade.
When: Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 11 AM - 6 PM
Where: TAPCO Credit Union, 2802 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98406
Why: This is the fourth consecutive year for this celebration. Last year our Día de los Muertos event brought thousands of people to the 6th Avenue Business District. It increased awareness of our Spanish speaking Sister Cities, Boca del Rio, Mexico and Cienfuegos, Cuba, and introduced the community to a life affirming celebration with music, art and food. We will continue to cross- promote other Día de los Muertos activities throughout Tacoma. The very first Tacoma Día de los Muertos celebration was held in 2002 in the 6th Ave Business District.
Before Event: Weekly family art and education classes at Tacoma Framemakers begin September 12through October 19 on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. Classes include making flower crowns, butterfly masks, papel picado and other traditional crafts. Go to the website www.cienfuegossistercity.org to register for these FREE classes . Space is limited so you must pre-register. This program is coordinated by Martha Cabello.
Day of Event: Artisan craft and food vendors. Kids craft area. rock painting, face painting. One stage with live Music and Dance throughout entire event. Sidewalk Skeleton Procession at 12:15 pm. We will have the La Catrina collective in the procession. Plus we have all of you! It’s designed for you to walk about 6-7 blocks. Everyone is invited to walk. There is a contest for best decorated wagon and bike, a panel of judges will award prizes. After the procession free champurrado and pan de muerto with a ceremony honoring our ancestors at 4:30 pm.
Organization: Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is sponsored by Cienfuegos and Boca del Rio Sister Cities, Tacoma Sister Cities and 6th Ave Business District. Tacoma Sister Cities’ mission is to promote peace through people through citizen diplomacy, cultural education and economic development. Sixth Avenue Business District serves its members through organized collaborative efforts to promote a sustainable, vibrant com-munity footprint.
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