Vecinos de South Pasadena | Day of the Dead Gala 2022

Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Vecinos’ College Scholarship Fund, which last year funded nine high school graduates living in South Pasadena.

PHOTO: Vecinos de South Pasadena | South Pasadenan.com News | Day of the Dead Gala 2022

News provided by Vecinos de South Pasadena

South Pasadena’s rich cultural mosaic will be celebrated at the Vecinos de South Pasadena’s Day of the Dead Gala from 6-10 p.m. on October 22 at the War Memorial Building.

“We’re baaaaaack post Covid and have a tremendous response from local sponsors,” said Vecinos President Janna Philpot. Attendees will simultaneously honor the memories of those who have passed while celebrating life in a festive evening. The popular event was postponed in recent years due to Covid restrictions.

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“This is a wonderful evening to spend with friends and make new friends,” said Philpot, who heads the group of Latinos and non-Latinos dedicated to strengthening South Pasadena while sharing the richness of Latino cultures. The evening for attendees 21-years and older features a full dinner, two drinks, live DJ, music, dancing, silent auction and one large altar display.

The altar, or “ofrenda”, displays photos and other memorabilia traditionally contributed by families who make offerings of food, water and comfort items to aid spirits to their final resting place: “Mictlán.” Gala attendees are invited to bring a photo, trinket, toy, or other items connected to their dearly departed to be placed on the communal altar.

“The final result will be a beautiful collage or “altar” full of photos and items as diverse as the city we live in,” said Philpot. Also available to paid attendees will be a temporary sugar-skull face tattoo applied quickly with the help of volunteers. T-shirts, totes, raffle tickets and tequila tasting will be offered for purchase.

Tickets are on sale for $75 online and are selling quickly. The previous gala sold out. More information is at SouthPasadenaDayoftheDead.com. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Vecinos’ College Scholarship Fund, which last year funded nine high school graduates living in South Pasadena.