Start practising your face painting skills: Dia de los Muertos is on in Singapore...
Though often celebrated with sugar skulls and tipples, Dia de los Muertos (or Day of the Dead) is far from just another excuse to party. This is a traditional Mexican holiday – also celebrated across Latin America and other countries – to remember friends and family who have passed over to the afterlife. And while there are similarities between Halloween and Day of the Dead festivities, let’s not forget they aren’t the same, though the two are sometimes celebrated together in extravagant parties.
The face of this holiday is undoubtedly La Catrina, the famously dignified skeleton that symbolises death. Meant to be more spiritual than eerie, her story supposedly dates back to the time of the Aztecs, and the modern interpretation of this elegant dame of death is commonly seen painted on peoples faces during Day of the Dead festivities.
Want in on this culturally rich experience? Join these parties in your deadliest getup.
Lucha Loco: Día De Los Muertos – Day of The Dead Halloween Party
27 Oct
Together with the Association of Mexico, Lucha Loco invites you to celebrate the dead with a weekend fiesta. DJ Fat Fish will be helming the decks to keep the good vibes going, and the event will be paying tribute to the dearly departed music and cultural icon, David Bowie. And in true Mexican fashion, there’ll be a colourful parade through the streets. If you haven’t already arrived looking like a sugar skull, face painters will be at the ready to turn you ‘dapper as death and beautifully deceased’ – which, by the way, is the dress code for this bash.
Día De Los Muertos – Day of The Dead Halloween Party, Lucha Loco, 15 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089598
1-Altitude Presents Halloween: Day Of The Dead
27 Oct
The night of the dead calls for drinks and dancing at 1-Altitude. Befitting this A-list party destination, exhilarating beats will be served as peace offerings to the phantoms of the underworld, while the living take to the dancefloor to let their hair down. This event may feature less of the tradition but it still promises a whole lotta fun. Feel free to attend with face paint too – La Catrina is always welcome at a Dia de Muertos party.
1-Altitude Presents Halloween: Day Of The Dead, 1-Altitude, 1 Raffles Place, Level 63, Singapore 048616
Super Loco’s Dia de Los Muertos Children’s Party
28 Oct
Here’s one for the kids: Super Loco is throwing a brunch party for the little ones to join in on the celebration, complete with face painting, a giant piñata bashing (we’re placing our bets that this will be the most popular with the kids), and a worship and tribute shrine. Keeping in the spirit of the occasion, there’ll be a special menu spotlighting pan de muerto (bread of the dead), chocolate skulls, and Day of the Dead signature beers for the grownups.
Dia de Los Muertos Children’s Party, Super Loco, The Quayside, 60 Robertson Quay #01-13, Singapore 238252
Dia de Muertos at Chimichanga
2 Nov
Chimichanga invites you to celebrate deceased figures who have inspired you. In authentic Mexican fashion, there’ll even be an Ofrenda, a ritual altar that is a mainstay of traditional Dia de los Muertos festivities. Bring an image of your favourite celebrity, poet, or even cartoon character for the Ofrenda. Then, celebrate their spirit with the beats of DJ AS:HE of Knight Runners with a Corona in hand.
Chimichanga, 36 Dunlop Street, Singapore, 209364
Dia de Muertos Singapore 2018
3 Nov
The largest Mexican Day of the Dead celebration in South East Asia is back and we’re anticipating a night of mariachi, tacos and tequila. Witness Mexican culture come to life with fascinating folk tales and pre-Hispanic dances by traditional storyteller Valentina Ortiz, who has even conducted programmes with UNESCO! That aside, we’re excited for the party to break out with dance workshops and performances by Esencias de Mexico. Authentic and addictive Mexican fare will be brought to you by the likes of Senor Taco, Munets Handcrafted Empanadas and Casa Poncho. Joining the party, Altos Tequila will mix up your poison of choice, while Alt Yard and Fluff Bakery will be satisfying you with sweet treats.
Dia de Muertos Singapore 2018, F1 Pit Building, Outdoor Area, 1 Republic Blvd, Singapore 038975