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Visit the new Dia de los Muertos website!

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QUICK LINKS:

EXTRAVAGANCIA DE PINATAS

SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION

VENDING INFORMATION

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ABOUT THE FESTIVAL:

Put on your bright colors and skeleton make-up and join the fun on Starr Street for the 4th Annual Dia de los Muertos Festival!  Dia de los Muertos Street Festival is held in the 400 & 500 blocks of Starr Street in downtown Corpus Christi. The event kicks off Friday, October 28 at 4 pm with a parade to the community altar where a new mural by Ricardo Ruiz, Gerald Lopez, Jimmy Pena and David Phillips will be unveiled.  The festival includes live music, Mariachis, Folklorico dancers, Art Expo, Kids’ Activities, community altar, food, drinks and more.

MasterBlaster SoundSystem 2010

The lead sponsor for this year’s event is Andrews Distributing Company.  The 2011 Dia de los Muertos Street Festival features dance performances and live music including Mariachi Del Mar and six folklorico dance companies.  Early in the evening, guests will be entertained by Libre, Latin Talk and Sonidos del Barrio.  At 10 pm, Piñata Protest takes the stage followed by Corpus Christi’s own Master Blaster Sound System.

El Dia de los Muertos (or Day of the Dead) is a traditional holiday in Mexico (Nov. 1 & 2)  during which deceased friends and family members are remembered and celebrated. In the arts, everyday life is represented in skeletal form. Traditional activities include making sugar skulls, baking pan de muerto (sweet bread), and creating ofrendas (altars) that honor the deceased using photos, memorabilia, sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed. A common symbol of Dia de los Muertos is the skull or calavera often represented in masks, candy, and other Dia de los Muertos curios.

Everyone is encouraged to wear a costume.  Door Prizes and an Award for Best Costume will be given away.  Many of  Corpus Christi’s favorite artists will be on hand selling their work and El Dia de los Muertos themed items.

Special additions for 2011 are the Kids’ Corner, and a second stage starring Mariachi Del Mar (Del Mar College Mariachi Band). Another new addition is the Extravagancia de Piñatas sponsored by NuStar Energy.   Extravagancia de Piñatas is a contest for area K-12 schools (groups/art classes/art clubs) to compete for cash awards to be used for classroom art supplies. Piñatas will be hanging throughout the festival.  The Texas A & M University Art Department’s “Hold Steady Iron Pouring Crew” will also be on hand offering visitors a chance to create their own miniature iron sculpture.

The Hecho a Mano Art Expo is not to be missed.  Over 60 local artists offer everything from jewelry to sculpture to all kinds of Dia de los Muertos related trinkets.  Those that are interested in being a vendor will find guidelines and registration information at www.diadelosmuertoscc.com.. All products must be made by hand or must be objects that are embellished by hand.

We are accepting sponsors and seeking volunteers.   Sponsorship information is available at www.diadelosmuertoscc.com  Anyone interested in volunteering may call (361)887-6834.

Dia de los Muertos Street Festival is coordinated by the Electra Art*Axis Tattoo, K Space Contemporary, Corpus Christi Downtown Management District, and House of Rock. A huge Thank You to our lead sponsor Andrews Distributing Company. Additional sponsors (so far) include Navy Army Federal Credit Union, NuStar Energy, Grande Communications, Paulette Guajardo – All State Insurance, Rusty Douglas. Steve McMains Attorney at Law, A & B Communications, City of Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi Caller Times, Del Mar College, Fox KUQI, Republic National Distributing Co.  Proceeds from the event benefit K Space Contemporary, a 501 (C) 3 non-profit arts organization.

Folklorico Dancer Teresa Saldivar