That way cooler alternative to Halloween, Day of the Dead – which goes back a whopping 3000 years – is now pretty big biz in the capital.
And this year Camden Market is going bigger still, partnering with the Embassy of Mexico to bring locals, Londoners and everyone in between an immersive four-day celebration of Mexican culture and creativity across its cobbled streets and squares.
The market will be transformed and decorated with intricate shrines designed by Mexican artists that will host various performances, including live mariachi bands, Mexican music and poetry readings.
There are also family-friendly, creative and educational workshops, ranging from skull mask making to jewellery and face-painting inspired by Mexico’s oldest Day of the Dead traditions.
Even more exciting is that one of Camden Market’s long boats, in a nod to southern Mexican neighbourhood Xochimilco’s extensive network of canals and picturesque trajineras, will be fully dressed in bright colours and flowers. For the peckish it’ll host a mini Mexican Market embracing Mexico’s food and drink scene by serving native delicacies. Yum.
And finally, on the evening of November 2nd, the fiesta will carry on at Gabeto, who are throwing a Day of the Dead-themed party, continuing into the early hours.
It’s also worth noting that while the art installations will be available to view for the entire four days, the majority of the pop-ups, workshops, and other interactive installations will take place over the weekend only. So if you have limited time, swing by then.
