As part of this year's new features, different emblematic spaces in the city will be decorated with monumental catrinas and catrines, which can be found in the Main Square, the Founders' Square, the Expiatorio Square and the Arch of the Calzada.
The programming includes music, theater, nighttime tours, contests, activities for girls, boys, and young people, as well as some of the events that each year bring together thousands of people to celebrate one of Mexico's most representative traditions.
Catrinas, catrines and the return of the spirits
One of the main events will be the XV Contest of Catrinas and the VII Contest of Catrines, scheduled for October 30 at 20:00 at the Lake Forum, with free admission.
The participating dressing rooms will subsequently be part of an exhibition in the Main Patio of the Municipal Presidency.
On the night of November 1st, the traditional Caminata del Despertar de las Ánimas will return, one of the most popular events of the season, which will once again bring this celebration to the streets of León.
Art and culture around Day of the Dead
The León Cultural Institute prepared different performances in plazas and theaters in the city. Among them are Sinfonía de las Ánimas, on October 16 in Plaza de San Juan de Dios; Réquiem Mexicano, on October 20; and La muerte contra la cuerda, on October 21, both in Plaza Expiatorio.
During October, León will also host activities of the 54th Cervantino International Festival, with shows such as Qwerin on October 10 in the Main Square; Maldonne on October 13 at the Manuel Doblado Theatre, and Fado Camões on October 15 at the María Grever Theatre.
For the children and youth audience, there will be legends, stories, and scenic performances from October 22 to 29, in addition to the seventh Literary Calaveras Contest.
The fourth Competition of Tapetes and Catrinas de Cartón will also be held, aimed at students in high school and university.
Night of Stories in the Cemeteries
The León pantheons will also be part of the programming. The San Nicolás Pantheon will host nighttime tours, monologues, and performances related to the history and traditions of the city.
Among the scheduled activities are Raíces de una vida, Ecos Cristiada and La muerte Irredente.
Cine entre Almas will also be held, with free nighttime screenings and limited-capacity showings within the cemeteries.
Some of these experiences will be exclusively for those aged 15 or 18 or older, so it is recommended that you check the restrictions for each activity in advance.
Alfeñique Fair and activities throughout the city
Another of the great attractions of the season will be the traditional Alfeñique Fair, which will be held from October 9 to November 2 with the participation of more than 100 artisans.
Visitors will find figurines, chocolate skulls, papel picado, pan de muerto, and various items related to the making of altars and the celebrations of Day of the Dead.
The fair will also feature artistic performances on the 16th, 17th, 23rd, 24th and 30th of October outside the Casa de la Cultura.
The parks will join the celebration. ZooLeón will hold CempaZoochil, an experience with themed decorations, shows, workshops for children, decoration of skulls and educational activities during the weekends.
In addition, colonies and communities from the seven delegations will receive 217 cultural and integration activities, bringing the traditions of Día de Muertos to different areas of the municipality.
The programming will also include proposals for young people such as Taankelem, an event organized by the IMJU that will bring together 10 local, national and international DJs at the Arco de la Calzada.
A celebration to remember and share
With activities for different ages and spaces in the city transformed into cultural venues, the Day of the Dead Festival invites residents and visitors to get closer to Mexican traditions, remember those who are no longer with us, and enjoy a season in which León combines art, history, gastronomy, and culture.
During the more concentrated activities, special security and traffic operations will be implemented to facilitate families from enjoying the events in an orderly manner.
