The dead will be remembered in a space-age fashion this weekend as Brixton goes sci-fi for a Dia de Muertos bonanza, guaranteed to take you out of this world.
Day of the Dead Futuro, organised by Celluloid Circus and UK-based Latin-American events organisation Moviminetos, is the sequel of last year’s sold out Day of the Dead Experience that formed part of the BFI’s Gothic season.
This year’s intergalactic version will summon souls from outer space amid live performances, Mexican sci-fi screenings, free children’s workshops, DJ sets and a plethora of tacos and tequila.
Sofia Serbin de Skalon of Celluloid Circus told SW Londoner: “Together with Movimientos we are happy to promote further understanding of the Day of the Dead tradition and Mexican culture in general, albeit with a less purist twist!”
Events will start at 10.30am on Saturday November 1, when little aliens can join the free children’s costume-making and face-painting workshop at Number 6 Brixton.
Following will be the screening of the first ever Mexican sci-fi film at the Ritzy cinema and, of course, the Day of the Dead Futuro party that will kick off at 7pm and take interstellar celebrations into the early hours of Sunday.
Organiser Callum Simpson said: “We tried to put together something a bit different whilst retaining elements of the celebration like the Ofrenda (Shrine) dedicated to deceased loved ones and different characters.
“The Sci Fi film and Futuristic angle is also a great way to engage new people in this brilliant tradition.”
To do it Mexican style, street food restaurant Wahaca will be supporting the futuro fiesta by throwing in the tacos for free and donating the money raised from the cosmic tequila cocktails to community festival Brixton Come Together.
Wahaca spokesman Oli Ingham said: “Together with Movimientos and Celluloid Cirucs, we’ll be binging you a night of marauding performance, DJs, Cumbia and tropical soundtrack vibes, as well as free tacos and freshly shaken Olmeca Altos cocktails.”
The two-day space extravaganza will finish on Sunday, November 2, with the screening of the 1967 film Santo vs the Martian Invasion.
Image courtesy of The BFI/Celluloid Circus, with thanks
