Let’s Celebrate Dia De Los Muertos!

Yes, Sarasota has a few Day of the Dead Festivities

As holidays go, Dia De Los Muertos is not a huge one in Sarasota. I think we can all agree on that. Some of you may even be wondering, “what in the world is that?”.

Actually, until recently, my exposure to the Day of the Dead was a lot like most of yours; pretty close to zero. And it was just plain dumb luck that I got to experience it at all. On a short “pre-pandemic” getaway, I walked right into a full-on Dia De Los Muertos celebration.

Face painting is a big part of this festival. That particular design above is called the Sugar Skull. It can be represented in a head-spinning array of variations. It’s pretty much the symbol of Dia De Los Muertos. The holiday, mostly marked in Mexico, is a joyous remembrance of those departed. It’s like our Memorial Day, but in a happy way.

Parades, music, and of course food, accompany the celebration that takes place each year on November 2nd and 3rd.

Here’s a little taste of the feeling of the day.

That is not sorrowful in the least. It’s really a unique way to celebrate the lives of those who are no longer with us. Happy and upbeat. More a remembrance of life than a mourning of death. This is an occasion for the entire family. Adults and children of all ages, with faces painted, participating as a family in the day’s festivities.

I guess you’re probably wondering, “this all sounds interesting and possibly fun, but I live in Sarasota, Florida. Nobody celebrates Dia De Los Muertos here.” Ah, that is where you are mistaken. I thought the same thing too. That is until this showed up in my inbox!

That got my attention! So, I did a little digging for you.

Let’s take a look at a few options if you want to experience Dia De Los Muertos, Sarasota style.

Village of the Arts (1227 12th St W, Bradenton) is hosting its annual Festival of the Skeletons on Friday, November 5th and Saturday, November 6th. This is always a super popular event in Bradenton. It’s part art fair, part street fair, and part food fair. Most of the shops, galleries, and restaurants in the area will be participating in one way or another. Yes, there will be people with painted faces. Probably a lot of Sugar Skulls.

On October 29th, in downtown Sarasota, El Melvin Cocina Mexicana (1355 Main Street, (941) 366-1618) will be bringing the Day of the Dead to life. This is a block party. There’s going to be a costume contest at this event. I’m not certain that’s a traditional Dia De Los Muertos thing, but the folks at El Melvin are celebrating it their own way! Again, yes, there will be a lot of painted faces. Beginning to see a pattern here?

Lastly, Ortygia (1418 13th Street West, Bradenton (941)741-8646) is hosting a Dia De Los Muertos dinner on Friday, November 5th. This dinner is sure to be (and may already be) a sellout. There will be live music, and of course, a delicious menu to enjoy. Here’s a Plan B. If this is sold out by the time you read this, you can still head down to Village of the Arts and enjoy the Festival of the Skeletons. It’s in the same neighborhood as Ortygia.

Alright, we’ve talked a little about what Dia De Los Muertos is all about. And we’ve given you some suggestions on how you can participate in the Day of the Dead here locally. Before we say adios, I’ve got one last treat for you.

The Ringling College of Art + Design has some of the most talented artists, designers, and filmmakers in the country as students and alumni. Back in 2013, Ashley Graham, Kate Reynolds, and Lindsey St. Pierre produced an award-winning animated short on Dia De Los Muertos. Yes, you read that correctly. This fantastic film was the winner of the Student Academy Award Gold Medal in 2013. It captures the essence of what this holiday is all about. I highly recommend checking it out. You’ll be happy you did!