“The Mexican is familiar with death. [He] jokes about it, caresses it, sleeps with it, celebrates it. It is one of his favourite toys and his most steadfast love.”
Octavio Paz: ‘The Labyrinth of Solitude’
The Day of the Dead is, despite its name, a joyful celebration honouring the passing of loved ones. On this day it is believed that the spirits of the ancestors return. They are honoured and remembered by their families and friends on Earth. Flowers are an intrinsic part of the festival . Yellow flowers such as marigolds, are used to decorate homes so the spirits can find their way home. Flowers symbolise the transience of life.
Columbia Road Shops will be celebrating London’s Day of the Dead Festival on 30th October 2021 from 12pm onwards.
The Street is a stage and we invite you to join us & come other than you are.
Expect Mariachis, a day of the dead beauty parlour, Day of the Dead Yoga at 12pm, a parade at 2pm and 4pm, a skeleton mermaid sings Besame Mucho, a skeleton family & the best dressed dog competition …..
