Here’s how you can celebrate, honor your loved ones for Day of the Dead in Charlotte
Editor’s note: The date for this event has changed to Nov. 1 because of the forecast for rain Thursday evening.
Charlotte artist Rosalia Torres-Weiner of Red Calaca Studio is creating a Dia de los Muertos ofrenda, or altar, for the public to view on Albemarle Road, where people can honor loved ones they’ve lost, particularly those who have died from COVID-19.
Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday celebrated Nov. 1-2 to connect with family members who have died.
“We have lost a lot of members of our community due to COVID,” said Torres-Weiner, who often calls herself an “artivist” as she connects culture to the community through art. “We go through this grief and sadness of losing a loved one, then you learn through this Mexican tradition how you can honor their life and be with them — It’s a beautiful tradition.”
In addition to the event featuring a traditional ofrenda on Nov. 1 from 4-6 p.m., Torres-Weiner is inviting community members to write down the names of their loved ones, and they’ll honor them that night.
There will be a selfie station and kids activities at the family-friendly event at Four Seasons Plaza, 6323 Ablemarle Road. Participants can also enjoy live music from mariachi singer Maria Elena Valdez.
“It’s something so we can honor our loved ones — this is a huge thing in our Latino/LatinX community. It’s also cool to share this with non-Latinos,“ Torres-Weiner said.
She worked with Tim Miner of Charlotte is Creative to create the concept for the event, which is part of the city of Charlotte’s Ablemarle Road/Central Avenue Corridors of Opportunity program.
“This is a great opportunity for me to share my culture, my traditions — to make my Mexico here in Charlotte,” Torres-Weiner said.
Celebrate Dia de los Muertos with Rosalia Torres-Weiner
Location: Four Seasons Plaza, 6323 Ablemarle Road, Charlotte, NC 28212
Neighborhood: Idlewild Farms/East Charlotte
When: Nov. 1, 4-6 p.m.
What: Public ofrenda, live mariachi music, kids activities
Cost: free
More Day of the Dead celebrations
There are other Dia de Los Muertos activities planned in the area, as well. Check out these events and things to do:
Dia de los Muertos at Armor Artis Brewing
Location: 204 Main St Suite 101, Fort Mill, SC 29715
Neighborhood: Downtown Fort Mill
When: Oct. 31-Nov. 2
What: Palmetto Luna Arts and the SC Commission for Minority Affairs are sponsoring a three-day celebration at Armor Artis Brewing, where participants are encouraged to bring in pictures and leave notes for their loved ones on the altar starting on Sunday, Oct. 31. Mas Amor, a Mexican Amber, will be specialty brewed for this event, and a portion of sales from the beer will be donated to Palmetto Luna Arts. Sugar skulls will also be available for purchase. The event wraps up Tuesday, Nov. 2 with live music with Spanish Jazz Band, Cafe’ Amaretto, starting at 6 p.m. A light snack of authentic tacos will be provided while supplies last.
Dia de los Muertos in Marion
Location: Downtown Marion
Neighborhood: Marion
When: Nov. 6, noon-2 p.m.
What: View 10 community ofrendas, hear mariachi music and enjoy free pan de muerto (bread of the dead).
Dia de los Muertos at Camp North End
Location: Camp North End, 300 Camp Road, Charlotte, NC 28206
Neighborhood: Greenville/Genisis Park/Druid HIlls South
When: Nov. 7, noon-5 p.m.
What: The Latin American Coalition and Levine Museum of the South have partnered to present the 17th annual Dia de los Muertos celebration at Camp North End. The event will showcase altar displays with traditional requirements – earth, wind, water, fire, marigolds, skeletons, photos and grooming items. Visitors can also browse vendors while enjoying food, music and more outdoors. Mask wearing for COVID-19 safety is encouraged.
Cost: Free
Order pan de muerto from Manolo’s
Location: 4405 Central Ave Suite C, Charlotte NC 28205
Neighborhood: Windsor Park
What: Pan de muerto is a Mexican sweet bread commonly made for Day of the Dead and included on ofrendas as an offering. Manolo’s is among the Latin bakeries in Charlotte making the holiday treat.
Cost: A small is $2.08, medium is $3.38 and large is $5.20.
Virtual Dia de los Muertos at Gaston County Museum
Location: online
When: ongoing
What: Learn about the history and culture surrounding the Mexican celebration in English and in Spanish. You can also explore the art and music of the festivities via videos and craft suggestions.
Cost: free
This story was originally published October 22, 2021 at 12:28 PM.
