Article by: Janel Spiegel

Day of the Dead: Dia de los Muertos

Arts Park

1-5pm.

October 27, 2024

Sunday, October 27:

Día de los Muertos Celebration – Experience the vibrant traditions of Día de los Muertos at Arts Park from 1-5pm. Enjoy colorful altars, traditional music, dance performances, and delicious food. It’s a cultural celebration filled with lively festivities and heartfelt tributes.

“What is Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos). The Day of the Dead (el Día de los Muertos), is a Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink and celebration.

Photos by: Janel Spiegel

A blend of Mesoamerican ritual, European religion and Spanish culture, the holiday is celebrated each year from October 31-November 2. While October 31 is Halloween, November 1-2 is All Souls Day or the Day of the Dead. According to tradition, the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on October 31 and the spirits of children can rejoin their families for 24 hours. The spirits of adults can do the same on November 2.” (This information came from History.com)

The city of Allentown has done a lot of renovating, and changing things around. The Arts Walk in Center City Allentown has become a staple for people from all walks of life. Whether you visit the PPL Center daily for concerts, shows, and of course, the Phantoms Hockey games, you know that it is always busy.

Dia de los Muertos was busy all day. I had another obligation so, I was able to venture around, and check out the dancers. My friends joined me. My friend told me about it. I was not sure if they would have it, and was elated to find out that there were indeed holding Dia de los Muertos. Inside the Baum School Art they displayed the alter, which was put together beautifully. It was quite a breathtaking display, and it was surrounded by art.

They had a pinata which the kids spent time breaking open to get to the candy. Mariachi performers, dancers, vendors, food trucks, and more. Dancers from Ely Dance studio also performed. They had a face painting stand which was busy non-stop. Genesis Ortiz, and the mayor showed up to enjoy the festivities. This is considered a sacred event. People set up alters for the ancestors to bring in the souls of the deceased. The celebration was organized by Interlace Cultural y Desarrollo Integral de Lehigh Valley (ICDI), and in partnership with the City of Allentown, and Baum Art School.

It was a beautiful day for this event. People had a good time. It was an incredible day, and I know we are all looking forward to next year.