News: May. 26, 2014

Planning has begun for The 2014 Florida Day of the Dead Celebration! Building on our success from last year, this year's event will be expanded to a two day celebration (Nov. 1 and 2) and will include pre-event programming in both Broward and Miami/Dade counties.

2013's event drew almost 10,000 participants of all ages, and included art, music, dance, and even Lucha Libre wresting. Over 2400 costumed marchers joined in the processional along the new Riverwalk route. This playful spectacle honored the Mexican tradition with skeleton clad participants, musicians and giant puppets. A new 15’ Skeleton Frida Kahlo puppet joined the ranks of other towering figures such as the bride and groom (from 2011) and the Katrina (from 2012). Other programming included The Boneyard Bandstand, featuring indie rock, rockabilly and roots bands, and the Folklorico Stage which spotlighted traditional Latin dance troupes from Mexico and Bolivia. There were handmade indie crafts and art in the Craft Crypt, as well as Ofrendas, Dr. Sketchy's "anti-art school", and body painting.

We are extremely pleased to have been named as a recipient of the prestigious Knight Foundation Arts Challenge Award. This grant enables us to expand programming into Miami Dade Country. Check back soon for announcements regarding expanded programming and schedules.

News: Oct. 24, 2013

We are so honored to be a part of the amazing group of candidates chosen for this year's Knight Arts Challenge People's Choice Award! We consider them friends in our goals to enrich the cultural fabric the region.

Thanks for considering your vote Puppet Network and our Celebration. Please vote by texting ARTS4 to 22333 and thanks for your help.

Day of the Dead Celebration - People's Choice Award from Knight Foundation on Vimeo.

News: Oct. 23, 2013

Thanks to everyone who made Danse Macabre: A Formal Ball for the Formerly Alive, our fundrasier for Florida Day of the Dead Celebration 2013 such a success. A special thanks to everyone who helped, including Makers Square, Askultura, Stop The Presses, Cupcake Burlesque and our devoted and hard-working corps of volunteers, without whom none of this would be possible.

NOVEMBER 2nd, 2013:
FLORIDA DAY OF THE DEAD CELEBRATION

“Memory for the Dead
Party for the Living"

Save the date, Saturday, November 2nd, 2013 for the fourth installment of this ever popular and very spirited festival of remembrance and revelry. With just 750 attendees in 2010, the event swelled to venue capacity of almost 7000 participants in 2012.

The event is a multi-media spectacle that honors Mexican tradition while generating modern interpretations that connects with a broad spectrum of demographics. Rooted in community, this event embraces a universe of ideas from a legion of talented skull inspired artists, mariachi musicians, painted performers and enthusiastic skeleton clad revelers. Because of our ever-expanding event size, this skeleton-inspired event has expanded to include the Riverwalk and various venues throughout downtown Fort Lauderdale.

The Event opens at the Museum of Art – NSU Fort Lauderdale at 2pm with a Dia de los Muertos Family Day, with puppet shows, art workshops and more for the kids alongside cultural lectures and film for teens and adults. New for this year, the community will gather at 6pm in Huizenga Park. At 6:15, the costumed revelers will be led by Event Founder Jim Hammond of the Puppet Network and his giant puppets as they follow the Riverwalk toward the America’s Backyard/Green Room entertainment complex. Downtown will be teaming with a wide range of spectacles and activities for a diverse audience.

There will be Mexican Ofrenda altars for loved ones, indie crafts for sale in the Craft Crypt, live modern music on the Boneyard Bandstand and our newest venue… the Folklorico Stage where Mariachi and Dancers spotlight cultural performing art traditions. Craft projects and face painting will be available for children in Los Angelitos Kids Zone until 9:30pm. Interspersed throughout there will be mariachis, skeleton painted ponies, art installations, mask making workshops, a hearse & low rider meet up, Latin American food trucks and interactive street performers. Although no encouragement is needed, every skeleton may compete in a costume contest with special prizes from our sponsors. As the evening continues, Circus Basura will be in the Green Room offering wild sideshow, vaudeville, burlesque, and arial performances.

Additionally this year, we are developing the Ring Luchadores, interactive wrestlers in true Mexican style; Frida Kahlo’s Mi Muertito, where performers reenact paintings and Galería de Piel Pintado, a body art exhibition. Also this year we are pleased to present the Dance Macabro a gothic ball fundraiser before the event proper.