This Saturday, Nov. 1, the day after Halloween, is Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), and Cleveland Public Theatre (CPT)/ Teatro Público de Cleveland (TPC) and Día de Muertos Ohio are gearing up to present the 21^st Annual Día de Muertos Festival in the Detroit Shoreway’s Gordon Square Arts District.

Bella Sin

Thousands of people are expected each year to observe the cultural celebration to honor the memory of those who have passed, dictated by Aztec rituals of Mexico. The celebration, observed in various forms throughout Mexico, Latin America, Spain, and other countries, integrates harvest festivities and family gatherings to remember past family and friends.

Traditional arts, flowers, food, music, dance, and fun are integral to the cultural mix, as are particular items specific to the holiday, such as the altars that often include elements of the earth (salt), wind (cut paper decorations), fire (candles), and water.

“Día de Muertos is one of the most meaningful celebrations we take part in each year,” explains Alejandro Martinez, member of the Teatro Público de Cleveland leadership committee. “It reminds us of how art and ritual can keep memory alive and strengthen the bonds within our community, coming from deep tradition.”

Día de Muertos artistic director Hector Castellanos Lara says many of the traditional events will take place, like the Skulls and Skeletons Procession, Altar (ofrenda) installations, along with live music, Latin food, face painting, and folk art market and craft workshops.

“The ofrendas (altars) are works of art in and of themselves—the ideas for altars that people come up with never cease to amaze,” says Kim Furganson, CPT director of audience engagement and marketing. “Each year at the event, I’m inspired to take a moment to give a shout-out to my loved ones who’ve passed on.”

The Skulls and Skeletons Procession.This year’s artists include fiber artist Oliver St. Clair, who CastellanosLara says has been working on her altar for a year, is dedicating her work to her grandmother; Mark Jenks, Denajua, Nina Huryn.

Additionally, there will be musical and dance performances by Dueto Maravilla, Patricia Bussert, Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center, and Danza Group.

“I try to bring very diverse groups,” says Castellanos Lara, “as long as they bring the meaning of Dia de Muertos.”

This year’s grand marshal is Antonio Parente, while Cleveland’s Burlesque Queen Bella Sin will be the Catrina—the traditional skeleton figure who reminds us that death is a part of life and that everyone is equal, and represents Día de Muertos.

Bella Sin will also have an altar at The Pivot Center for Art, Dance and Expression that opens this Friday, Oct. 31, includes a special program on Sunday, Nov. 2, and will remain open through Saturday, Nov. 8.

Día de Muertos 2024 at Cleveland Public Theatre“Teatro Público de Cleveland is honored to walk in this year’s parade as part of CPT’s longstanding tradition of celebrating culture through performance,” says Teatro Público de Cleveland’s Martinez. “We see this event as both an artistic expression and a collective act of love, and as a way to honor our ancestors while inspiring new generations through creativity and storytelling.”

In addition to traditional Latin food, Freaky Fruits food truck will have customized cut fruit with puree drizzles and other healthy toppings, and La Katrina Mexican Cuisine food truck will be on site.

“[The trucks are good for] people who like to try new things or ice cream with Mexican flavors; the hot chocolate ice cream is very spicy” says Castellanos Lara.

He adds that local hotspots like Blue Habaneros, La Playa, and Gypsy Beans & Baking Co. will both have specials for the day; while nearby Great Lakes Brewing Company, Grumpy’s Cafe, and Urban Kitchen and Deli, will also be celebrating and welcoming guests.

There are plenty of free artistic performances in Gordon Square, at both the CPT church and parish hall.

Día de Muertos 2024 at Cleveland Public TheatreParish Hall: Dance and Music
12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m.: Dueto Maravilla (Mexican Popular Songs)
1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.: Music by Patricia Bussert
4:45 p.m.-5:15 p.m.: Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center Danza Group
7 p.m.–8:30 p.m.: Rice & Beans Latin Jazz Band

Church: Music
1 p.m.–2 p.m.: Izzey Donovan (violin) & Olivia Polash (cello)
6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.: Ariel Clayton (violin)

The variety of arts, culture, food, and activities at Dia de Muertos offers inspiration and enjoyment for everyone, says CPT’s Furganson.

“Día de Muertos is one of my favorite events that Cleveland Public Theatre presents because it truly reflects CPT’s mission to raise consciousness and nurture compassion as we present the theater’s take on this beautiful holiday,” she says. “It is remarkable how much patrons who are new to the event, embrace it each year as they line up dressed in skeleton gear and face paint, and flood Detroit Avenue to take in the parade.”

Día de Muertos Ohio’s 21st Día de Muertos Festival in Cleveland’s Detroit Shoreway neighborhood is on Saturday, Nov. 1 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Cleveland Public Theatre, 6205 Detroit Ave., in the Gordon Square Arts District. The event is free and open to the public.