Day of the Dead Celebration

Join Palmetto Luna on Boyd Plaza to celebrate Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). This free event includes a Day of the Dead altar, arts and crafts, live music, folkloric dances, a live painting session, and other cultural activities. Day of the Dead is a Mexican tradition to honor those who have departed before us. Within Mexican culture’s complex fusion of customs including Aztec, Mayan, and Spanish traditions, death is merely one part in the wider cycle of existence. The Day of the Dead celebration is the result of the ancient ritual venerations and offerings to the goddess Mictecacihuatl (Lady of the Dead) for the deceased and the Spaniards' desire to accommodate these festivities within the Catholic celebrations of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.

The Day of the Dead Celebration is organized by Palmetto Luna Arts in collaboration with the CMA and the SC Commission for Minority Affairs. Sponsored by the City of Columbia, Norsan Media, LRADAC, and the South Carolina Arts Commission, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts.