Day of the Dead Festival and Parade

South Street Headhouse District announces the resurrection of the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival and Parade, on Sunday, November 2, 2014.  After a ten year hiatus, this popular celebration returns to honor departed loved ones while celebrating the circle of life. The unique procession will feature spectacular giant puppets, dancing skeletons, traditional Mexican music, strolling costumed spirits, Frida Kahlo look-alikes and a funeral hearse. The parade route begins at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens (1020 South Street) starting at 1:45pm and ends on the 400 block with food, drink, art and family fun from 2:00pm to 7:00pm.

Children and adults are encouraged to come in costume and share food, art, music and fun with their extended community, both living and dead.  Starting at 1:30pm, participants can gather at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. While waiting pay homage to deceased family members and friends by writing a chalk message in front of the specially created “ofrenda,” or altar offering up gifts to the dead. The parade kicks off at 1:45pm and feature spectacular giant puppets, dancing skeletons, traditional Mexican music, strolling costumed spirits, Frida Kahlo look-alikes and a funeral hearse (provided courtesy of McGuinness Funeral Home).

Entertainment line-up:

* Mariachi Pedro Villaseñor (1:45pm to 2:30pm)

* Los Straitjackets (2:45pm to 3:30pm)

* Fuego Nuevo (3:30pm)

* Tonantzin Coatlicue (3:45pm to 4:15pm)

* Grupo de Danza Nuevo Mexico (4:30pm to 5:00pm)

* Grupo Cenzontle (5:15pm to 5:45pm)

* Ensemble de Folklore de la Escuela de Música del Estado de Hidalgo (6:00pm to 7:00pm)

Additionally, participants can enjoy face painting, art demonstrations with Joel Garcia from the Eyes Gallery, Frido Kahlo look-alike contest hosted by the Eyes Gallery, skull tile making, and food and drink from Baron Von Schwein, Copabanana, Farm Truck, Las Bugambilias,Tuk Tuk Real and Woolly Mammoth.  

All activities are free and open to the public. Food and drink are pay-as-you-go. Beer and cocktails are available for those 21 and up, with valid identification. For schedule updates and additional activities, visit www.southstreet.com, follow @officialsouthst on Twitter or call (215) 413-3713.