Join the 6th Ave Celebration at TAPCO Credit Union in Tacoma, WA, sponsored by Zeta-Maya Entertainment

OUR WAGON AND BICYCLE DECORATING CONTEST IS NEW THIS YEAR!

In keeping with the family friendly nature of the Sister Cities - 6th Avenue Día de los Muertos celebration, this year there will be a wagon and bicycle decorating contest. Bicycles, tricycles, scooters and wagons are great transportation for our youngest participants so let’s decorate them Día de los Muertos style. What is Día de los Muertos style? Read about the Colors and Symbols of Día de los Muertos in the article here.

To enter the contest on the day of the event, complete an entry form at the Welcome Booth by 12:00 noon (Plan to arrive early.)

Judging will occur during the Sidewalk Procession, so be sure your number is easily visible.

Winners will be announced from the Main Stage at 3:30 pm.

And YES, there will be prizes!

Skeleton Sidewalk Procession on 6th Avenue - A playful spectacle that honors the Latin tradition of skeleton-

costumed characters led by musicians. Intersections will be temporarily closed for safety from 12pm to 2:30pm.

Artisan Vendor - Artists and chefs can sell their Day of the Dead creations.

Classes - Leading up to the celebration weekly classes will teach people traditional day of the dead crafts.

Mission

Our mission is to produce a free Tacoma Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) event on Sixth Avenue that

maintains and respects the cultural essence of the Día de los Muertos tradition, but also interjects a modern

aesthetic as envisioned by regional artists. Additionally, weekly themed arts and education classes will be held

in September and October, adding community participation building to the event. A day to remember the dead

and party for the living!

Art of the Community

The Día de los Muertos tradition is founded on a communal celebration of very personal perspectives on life and

death. Through hands-on community events including workshops, interactive art, our Skeleton Processional,

ofrendas and more, Tacoma Día de los Muertos Celebration provides opportunities for Tacoma residents and

visitors to work together to achieve common community goals. The celebration brings together participants of

all skill levels, ethnicities, ages and backgrounds and uses art as a tool to help develop community.

How to Get Involved?

• Attend one of our weekly themed classes centered around Día de los Muertos art and education.

• Host a class or workshop: apply to use your location as a host site.

• Donate to the event: you can donate themed items or gift cards to be distributed at event.

• Sponsor the Celebration: this is a community-driven event, and we could not do any of it without our generous

sponsors. IF you would like to support your community, think about becoming a sponsor today.

Fact Sheet

When: Saturday, October 26, 2024 - 11:00am-6:00pm

Where: TAPCO Credit Union, 2802 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98406

Why: This is the fouth year for this celebration. Last year our Día de los Muertos event brought thousands of
people to the 6th Avenue Business District. It increased awareness of our Spanish speaking Sister Cities and
introduced the community to a life affirming celebration with music, art and food. We will continue to cross-
promote other Día de los Muertos activities throughout Tacoma. The very first Día de los Muertos celebration
was done in 2002 at the 6th Ave Business District.

Before Event: Weekly family art and education classes at Tacoma Framemakers begin in September through October 19th on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. Classes include making flower crowns, butterfly masks, papel picado and other traditional crafts. Please go to the our Classes page to pre-register. Space is limited, so register right away. This program is coordinated by Martha Cabello.

Day of Event: Artisan craft and food vendors. Kids craft area. Sugar Skull face painting. One stage with live Music
throughout entire event. Sidewalk Skeleton Procession at 12:15pm. We will have the La Catrina Collective in the procession. At the parade everyone is invited to walk. There is a contest for best decorated wagon or bike, and a panel of judges will award prizes. After parade free Champurrado and Pan de Muerto with a ceremony honoring our ancestors at 4:30pm. Please bring a lantern to create some moonlight for Flor de Luna to close out our day at 5pm.

Admission: Free admission to event. Artisan craft and food vendors will have items for sale.

Organization: Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is sponsored by Cienfuegos and Boca del Rio Sister Cities, Tacoma Sister Cities, and 6th Ave Business District. Title sponsor is Zeta-Maya Entertainment.

Tacoma Sister Cities’ mission is to promote peace through people through citizen diplomacy, cultural education and economic development. Sixth Avenue Business District serves its members through organized collaborative efforts to promote our sustainable vibrant community footprint.