Alpena, MI – On Saturday, November 2^nd, Downtown Alpena will host its first-ever Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration. Mango’s Tequila Bar, Thunder Bay Arts, and the Alpena Downtown Development Authority (DDA) are partnering to host a day of celebration on Saturday, November 2^nd from 11-9 pm, filled with live music, food and drink specials, kids’ activities, a Catrina costume contest, and festive decorations in the alleyway.

“Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, is a traditional holiday in Mexico where we celebrate and remember our loved ones who have passed on,” shared Mango’s owner Arturo Mendez.

“It is a time where we can gather with our families and share stories and memories of those no longer with us and allow them back into our homes. We do this by connecting the lands of the living and dead and set up altars in our home, called ofrendas, that are filled with many things including favorite foods and items of our ancestors. This year, we are beyond grateful and overjoyed to bring these traditions of our culture to our amazing community. We cannot wait to share this holiday with you all!”

Full Schedule of Activities

11 am- 12 pm: Storytime & craft for kids at the Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library. Join the library for a free story time and skeleton craft for kids.

12- 2 pm: Kids activities in the alleyway, including face painting, a coloring contest and mask craft with designs by Elisa Chavarri, and the opportunity to contribute to a community ofrenda.

12- 9 pm: Ofrendas on display in the alleyway. Stroll the alleyway and enjoy ofrendas on display in the alleyway created by local organizations and businesses. Ofrendas are elaborately decorated altars adorned with offerings that are meaningful and symbolic to welcome the lives of those dearly departed back to the earthly realm. Vote your favorite- we’ll make a $250 donation to the non-profit of the winner’s choice. Sponsored by Neighborhood Provisions. We are looking for groups/ organizations to decorate an ofrenda- Learn more about participating here.

Stop by St. Bernard’s Church (324 W Chisholm St) to view their community ofrenda. Bring a photo of a loved one to contribute.

1- 3:30 pm: Skull Painting Class at PIF Cider. They’ll provide plastic skulls, glue guns, puffy paint, glitter paint, bedazzling jewels, and amazing deals on cider for class participants. $20/person includes all materials for two painted skulls you’ll take home. Purchase tickets here.

4- 5 pm: La Catrina Costume Contest check-in. Stop behind Mango’s with our panel of judges. Costumes judged for detail, creativity, and makeup. Winners announced at 5 pm.

• 1st place- $250 Mango’s gift certificate & $250 Downtown Dollars
• 2nd place- $100 Mango’s gift certificate & $100 Downtown Dollars
• 3rd place- $50 Mango’s gift certificate & $50 Downtown Dollars

La Catrina is one of the most widely recognizable symbols of Dia de Los Muertos. Catrina is a work of art, created by artist Jose Guadalupe Posada as a satire of the social situation in Mexico in 1910. Famous artist and husband of Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, immortalized La Catrina in one of his murals that depicts 400 years of Mexican history. Now, women across the world paint their faces in colorful make-up and dress with elegant outfits evoking the famous symbolic skeleton.

5- 9 pm: Live Mariachi Music in the Alleyway from Mariachi Jalisco de Detroit. Grab a Social District drink while you enjoy live mariachi music and the alleyway decorated for the night to celebrate Day of the Dead.  Sponsored by Thunder Bay Arts & Mango’s Tequila Bar.

7- 8 pm: Gong Bath & Sound Healing Meditation at Joshua Tree Studio & Spa. Sound bath provides the sacred space to deeply rest. This magical meditation soothes the soul and resets the mind. Euphoric and transformational begin to describe this opportunity to release that which no longer serves our highest good. Join Joshua Tree Studio & Spa (112 W. Chisholm St) for this experience. Tickets $30. Learn more and RSVP here.

All are welcome to join this cultural celebration.