Music

Day of the Dead Festival with free pan de muerto and chocolate will take place at CECUT

One of Mexico's most emblematic traditions will be celebrated with 4 days of dance, music, theater, gastronomy, and more

By Victoria Ortega2023-10-31T20:05:00+00:00

The traditional celebration of Day of the Dead also provides special moments to celebrate loved ones who have passed away and who, on this date, come back to visit us.

Since 2008, this celebration has been inscribed in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Without a doubt, it is one of the most representative festivities in Mexico and the Americas.

To celebrate these beautiful traditions and in order to keep them relevant, Centro Cultural Tijuana (CECUT) invites you to their Day of the Dead Festival, where you will find dance, music, folklore, theater, gastronomy, handicrafts, and more to celebrate this beloved Mexican tradition that shows the world the vast culture of our country.

This festival will take place from November 2 to November 5 from 12 PM to 8 PM at the CECUT terrace. Admission is free!

The San Diego Symphony is joining the celebrations

As this is the border, both Californias are mutually immersed in their different cultures and Day of the Dead is no exception. That's why the San Diego Symphony Orchestra and its musical director, Rafael Payare, will debut at Centro Cultural Tijuana as part of the Day of the Dead Festival.

The program will consist of "Kauyumari" by Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz, works by Richard Strauss, and Grammy-nominated composer, David Chesky.

This will take place starting on Thursday, November 2 at the CECUT showroom starting at 7 PM.

Tickets can be purchased at the showroom lobby, one hour before the concert.

This year's altar is for General Francisco Villa

José Doroteo Arango y Arámbula, born on June 5, 1878, was a very important figure in Mexican history.

He grew up in Durango, where he learned to survive and avoid authorities from the Porfirio Díaz regime. Arrested in 1902 and forced into the army, he escaped to Chihuahua where he changed his name to Francisco Villa, as he is known to this day. He tried to lead a different life away from his activities linked to robbery and selling livestock.

In 1910, he joined the November 20th Revolution. Very soon, Villa became one of the most popular and respected leaders of this movement.

100 years after his death, CECUT is dedicating this year's altar to him. Discover and admire this beautiful 3-meter-tall exhibition!

The inauguration will take place on Thursday, November 2 at 5 PM at the Museo de las Californias lobby.

There will be pan de muerto and movies for everyone!

Be amazed by the wonderful Catrina made with more than 3,500 Day of the Dead pieces of bread, an activity done by college students which will take place on Thursday, November 2, Day of the Dead, at 5:30 PM before the San Diego Symphony concert begins.

In addition, don't miss the emotional movie "Coco", a Disney film about Day of the Dead traditions through the eyes of Miguel who accidentally ends up being transported to the land of the dead. Here, he sets on an adventure that teaches him the values of tradition, family, and unconditional love.

Relive the experience or watch it for the first time and learn more about the culture of Day of the Dead. Without a doubt, your kids will love it!

This movie will be shown on Friday, November 2 at 7:15 PM at the terrace.

Fun and culture at the Day of the Dead Festival will continue on Saturday and Sunday with delicious food, dances, open-air shows, and more. This is a 100% family friendly event where you will be able to celebrate this important Mexican festivity. Bring your children and celebrate together this beautiful Mexican tradition while enjoying delicious day of the dead bread with hot chocolate.