Publication Date: 11-06-2015
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Jeanne Hilt
Director of Marketing
Louisville Downtown Partnership
(502) 614-4122 (Office)
SOUTH FOURTH STREET RETAIL DISTRICT TO CELEBRATE “DAY OF THE DEAD” ON FRIDAY, NOV. 6TH
(LOUISVILLE, KY) – “Day of the Dead”, Mexico’s most famous holiday, will once again be celebrated along the South Fourth Street Retail district in Downtown Louisville between the Seelbach and Hilton Garden Inn Hotels on Friday, Nov. 6th from 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., and will take place in conjunction with the Republic Bank First Friday Hop.
The 4,000-year-old holiday was established so that people could pray for and honor loved ones who have passed away. The family-friendly affair is sponsored by the South Fourth Street Retail District, the University of Louisville’s Latin American and Latino Studies (LALS) Program, and the Louisville Downtown Partnership (LDP).
In keeping with cultural tradition, a number of temporary altars will be installed along South Fourth Street. Father David Sanchez of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Butchertown will be blessing event as well as the altars, and will be leading a candlelit procession at 8:30 p.m. on South Fourth Street. In keeping with tradition, a public altar will be available on the night of the event for anyone to place objects for their deceased loved ones.
“Our annual Day of the Dead celebration grows each year as word gets around Louisville about how much fun it is to embrace this rich cultural tradition, complete with Mexican entertainment, great ethnic food and beverages,” said Karen Welch, owner of CRAFT(s) Gallery on South Fourth Street. “In Mexico, the annual celebration lasts for several days and usually takes place between October 31st and November 2nd, but we’re doing it a bit later as we wanted it to align with the Republic Bank First Friday Hop,” Welch added.
The event will feature plenty of hands-on workshops, including face painting, sugar skull decorating, paper flower making and much more, and will be staffed with volunteers from the LALS Program and the Kentucky College of Art and Design. Party goers are encouraged to dress in costumes, especially as Frida Kahlo or their favorite “calavera” (skeleton). Organizers are seeking to gather the largest collection of Frida Kahlo look alikes ever assembled for a photo.
Free entertainment includes Caminos Flamenco Dancers, Arcoiris Children Folkloric Dancers, Appalatin — a Latin musical group, Salsa Rhythms Band, Los Alegres Mariachi Band, Chad Balster – a special fire performer, and street performers from cirqueLouis. La Cocina de Mama will have Mexican food, beer, wine and margarita offerings for sale for festival attendees. The event is free, open to the public, and family friendly.
The South Fourth Retail district includes Art Eatables, Crafts(s) Gallery, Gifthorse, Block Party Handmade Boutique, Regalo, Cellar Door Chocolates, Big City Styles, and The Mysterious Rack.
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