Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

Celebrating Día de los Muertos in Queenstown

This November, we invite you to immerse yourself in a vibrant cultural tradition that celebrates life, love, and memory: Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

Co-hosted with Tacos Jaguar, the event will take place at Searchlight Brewery on 1 & 2 November, bringing a piece of Mexican heritage to our Queenstown community.

What is Día de los Muertos?

Día de los Muertos is a joyful Mexican celebration dedicated to honoring loved ones who have passed. Unlike other traditions focused on mourning, Día de los Muertos is a celebration of life, where families believe the spirits of the deceased return to visit and share in the festivities. The origins of this festival date back to ancient Mesoamerican cultures, which believed that death was a natural part of life. The modern-day celebration combines Indigenous rituals with Catholic influences brought by Spanish colonizers

What to Expect at Our Event

We’re bringing this rich tradition to Queenstown with a two-day celebration that everyone can take part in, whether you're familiar with the holiday or experiencing it for the first time.

• 1st November: Ofrenda BuildingStarting at 3 PM, we will begin setting up the Ofrenda at Searchlight Brewery. You are invited to bring photos or mementos of your loved ones, pets, or anyone dear to you who has passed away. These contributions will be placed on the altar as a way to honor their memory.

  
  

• 2nd November: The Main Celebration

  The Ofrenda will remain on display all day, and visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about its significance and the symbolism behind the items placed on it.

  
  

  Throughout the day, we'll be offering traditional Pan de Muerto (a sweet Mexican bread) and hot chocolate, made by a local Mexican baker, @mi_pueblito.mexican_bakery, from 4 PM to 7 PM.

  Pan de Muerto, or "Bread of the Dead," is a soft, sweet bread typically topped with sugar and shaped with bone-like decorations. It is a symbolic food offering that represents the cycle of life and death, making it an essential part of the Día de los Muertos celebration. Enjoying this bread with hot chocolate is a comforting way to connect with the tradition.

  
  

  The evening will also feature iconic music from Mexican artists who have passed away, including a special "La Hora de Juan Gabriel" from 5 PM to 6 PM, celebrating the legendary singer’s live performances. Later, from 6 PM to 7 PM, we will hold a Calaveritas session—an opportunity to write and share traditional Day of the Dead poetry, known for its humorous take on death.

  To top off the night, Tacos Jaguar will host a special raffle at 7 PM, and their mouthwatering Mexican food will be available for purchase throughout the day.

  
  

The Importance of Día de los Muertos

This tradition is not about mourning but about celebrating life and maintaining a connection with the deceased. Cempasúchil flowers (marigolds) are often placed on altars and used to decorate the graves because it is believed their bright color and scent help guide the spirits back. Skeleton imagery, such as the famous calacas (skulls), is also a major part of the celebration, symbolising the idea that death is not to be feared but embraced as part of life​

By building altars and sharing stories, families keep the memories of their loved ones alive and offer a warm, welcoming space for them to return. It’s a beautiful tradition of connection, memory, and the power of community—a celebration that shows us that life continues even after death.

Join Us

We welcome everyone in the Queenstown community to participate in this special cultural event. Whether you have experienced Día de los Muertos before or are curious to learn more, this is a wonderful opportunity to connect with a tradition that honors both life and death in a meaningful and joyful way.

Event Details:

• Ofrenda Creation: 1 November, starting at 3 PM

• Main Celebration: 2 November, All Day!

• Location: Searchlight Brewery, Queenstown

• Free Entry! No Tickets required, just come and go as you wish.

We look forward to sharing this beautiful tradition with you and celebrating the memories of those we hold dear.