#InTheLoop | A Guide to Day of the Dead in Queens
BY QEDC It's In Queens
Day of the Dead is a time to honor the dearly departed. Celebrated every Nov. 1, the time-honored tradition has roots in Mexico, Central America, and South America, but it’s recently become a fixture in the United States, and of course, Queens leads the pack with a large selection of festivals.
This article focuses on the three biggest ones, beginning with a collaborative observance in three plazas along the elevated 7 train line: Bliss on 46th Street in Sunnyside; Diversity on 74th Street in Jackson Heights; and Corona on 103rd Street.
To run from 4 pm to 7 pm, an ofrenda (or altar) will adorn each site, providing people a spot to place photos, flowers, and other mementos to loved ones. But there will also be plenty of music, dance, and costumes, while some local businesses will offer specials. For example, La Adelita de Woodside will provide a traditional pastry, hojaldras, for the altar at Bliss Plaza.
The schedule follows.
Bliss Plaza
3 pm: Quiet contemplation and remembrance of loved ones at the ofrenda
4 pm: Manhatitlan Mexican Folklore Dance Club workshop
5 pm: Manhatitlan performance
5 pm: Mariachi Fiesta NY performance
6 pm: Final moments of contemplation and remembrance at the ofrenda
Diversity Plaza
4 pm: Crafts and communal building of the ofrenda
5:30 pm: Musical performances
6:30 pm: Mazarte Dance Company performance
Corona Plaza
3 pm: Quiet contemplation and remembrance of loved ones at the ofrenda
4 pm: Cultural activities and shows
7:30 pm: Manhatitlan performance
8 pm: Mariachi performance
“Plazas are vital to life in Queens. They provide jobs while also giving local residents a safe place to shop. Plus, they’re centers of community events such as health fairs, live performances, and this Día del Muertos celebration,” stated Seth Bornstein, executive director of Queens Economic Development Corporation, a main organizer along with Sunnyside Shines, Friends of Diversity Plaza, and the performers. “We are proud to participate in this multi-faceted event that will be fun, meaningful, and educational.”
MoMI
Meanwhile over in Astoria’s Kaufman Arts District, the Museum of the Moving Image will host a Day of the Dead Celebration featuring music, dance, and discounts.
Mariachi Nuevo Amanecer Academy will kick of the activities in the Kaufman Courtyard at 4 pm, followed by Aztec Mexica dance, poetry, and music from Yayauhki Tezcatlipoka.
An ofrenda will honor beloved performers and artists, and attendees will enjoy face-painting inspired by historical characters from the Day of the Dead and a catrina-and-catrin costume contest hosted by artist and historian Rosa Ruíz and Catrinamía.
Admission is free, and the Kaufman Courtyard is in the vicinity of 36th Street and 35th Avenue.
Participants can stay for a 6:30 pm screening of The Book of Life, an animated musical comedy which is recommended for children ages 5 and up. Admission runs from $9 to $15, and MoMI offers a 20 percent discount on tickets (use code ANIMATE20). In addition, ticket holders can get 10 percent discounts across the street from MoMI at Tacuba Cantina Mexicana, which will serve a traditional Day of the Dead foods with altars on view.
The Book of Life also screens on Friday, Nov. 5, at 3 pm., but Tacuba Cantina’s discount is only valid on Nov. 1.
Directed by Jorge Gutiérrez, whose Maya and the Three recently debuted on Netflix, The Book of Life (2014) follows a reluctant bullfighter through the realms of the underworld as he learns to follow his heart. The voices behind some of the characters include those of Mexican acting legends Diego Luna and Kate del Castillo, as well as Zoe Saldaña, Channing Tatum, and Ron Perlman.
Queens Museum
Get into the mood with a Día de los Muertos Parade on Oct. 29. At 3 pm, Queens Museum will host a program with costumes, face-painting, an ofrenda, an Aztec blessing, and live performances. Then at 4:30 pm, participants will march with Mariachis from the Flushing Meadows Corona Park museum to Corona Plaza on pedestrian-only streets.
Images: Museum of the Moving Image