October 2010 - Dia de los Muertos

Dia De Los Muertos Street Festival
By: Jennifer Rhea

Friday, October 29, 2010:  5:30 to Midnight
Location: 400 block of Starr Street

For thousands of years multiple cultures in many countries have gathered to celebrate and honor friends and family members who have passed away by holding a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration.  In many countries the holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember their friends and family members who have died. The celebration most often occurs on November 2nd in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day (November 1st) and All Souls' Day (November 2nd).  It is common for family members in some societies to erect alters in honor of the deceased and to visit their graves with the favorite foods and beverages of the departed which is why it is not surprising that Dia de Los Muertos is a time of celebration where partying is very common place. The current mixing of more traditional Latin American and Mexican cultures with the modern art landscape of South Texas has provided the citizens of Corpus Christi with a unique venue to celebrate their lost loved ones.

While Corpus Christi may not be alone in celebrating Dia de los Muertos it certainly has put its’ own spin on the event.  That’s why in 2008 Axis Tattoo (then Electra Art) and K-Space Contemporary teamed up to show appreciation for their patrons and to add to the Downtown atmosphere by taking to the streets to celebrate.  Because of the very positive feedback, and the aspiration to try and top the year before, the event has grown into one of the most popular in the Downtown area.  In 2009 the Downtown Management District (DMD) came on board as major sponsor of the Dia de los Muertos Starr Street Festival and provided a cash and in kind sponsorship which allowed the festival to expand successfully and plan for future events with more certainty. In 2010 the DMD has again provided the same level of sponsorship ($5,000) and is very pleased to be associated with an event which brings so many people into the Downtown area.

If you have never been out to Starr Street for the Dia De Los Muertos Festival (www.facebook.com/dayofthedeadcc) then make sure you join the celebration right after work Friday, October 29th. Belinda Edwards of Axis Tattoo works hard to put together the best combination of musicians and artists and the schedule this year is truly exciting. All night the streets will be flooded with music from three really great bands, two DJ’s, dancers with giveaways, costume contests and a few surprises for willing participants. Family fun is what is expected this year, “The greatest memory we have is seeing everyone with their families and friends having a safe and fun time enjoying the art, music and food, “says Edwards.

Corpus Christi’s festival will appeal to all people of all ages and families. Michelle Smyth of K-Space explains, “This year we are adding an area where children can do art projects.   K Space will have a community altar, and I will be exhibiting a painting dedicated to young women who have lost their lives at an early age called “Letter to my Mother.”  

By sponsoring a local Downtown event and promoting the use of Downtown venues, the DMD hopes to bring more people to the Downtown area. The face of Downtown is changing to become a place where locals can bring their friends and family to take part in monthly events like the First Friday ArtWalk and individual celebrations like the K-Space Wig Out and the Dia de los Muertos Street Festival.  The support of these events by Downtown businesses and the DMD along with (most importantly) the attendance of local patrons is quickly allowing the vision of a vibrant Downtown to take shape.