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HarvestFest
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS

Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023 
Rain or shine. Included with regular Garden admission

Experience a cultural flair in the Garden and celebrate all that fall has to offer! This event has a festival vibe with live music, food, adult beverages, and family-friendly activities. We will have a taco bar and food trucks, so come hungry!

Live Music and Performances in the Cochrane Rose Garden

The Latin Ballet of Virginia 
The Latin Ballet of Virginia will bring their joy and artful representation to the Garden one more time. This time, they will celebrate with us Dia de los Muertos. Based on the Mexican holiday which brings communities together to remember and celebrate loved ones who have passed. 11 a.m. and 12 p.m.

 

Kadencia
We will have a special performance by the Kadencia Orchestra, a group dedicated to conserving and promoting Afro-Puerto Rican and Latin American music. The band uses Bomba, Plena, and Salsa to promulgate Hispanic culture, educate audiences on the native musical expressions, and make your body move in ways you never knew possible. 2 -4:30 p.m.

 

DJ RAY
End a full day of celebration with a fun dance party! DJ Ray will mix Hispanic greatest hits, combining rhythms and sounds to elevate the feeling of joy in all of us!  5 -8:30 p.m.

Date:
Saturday, October 28, 2023
Time:
10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Event Details

HarvestFest Dia de los Muertos

Activities

  • Craft Market near the Kelly Education Center with 18 Hispanic artisans sponsored by Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Dia de los Muertos Altar community activity in the Flagler Pavilion Interactive experience inviting guests to honor loved ones who have passed. We will have a beautiful Altar where we will display elements of the traditional Dia de los Muertos altar or ofrenda. Guests are welcome to bring pictures of people and pets who have passed and place them on the Altar. We will also have battery-operated tea lights and invite attendees to write a note on a piece of paper to leave with a light on the Altar. The Altar will be set up the Monday before the event and will be on display until October 30 in the Flagler Pavillion. Please note that any offerings left at the Altar will not be returned. No outside food and beverages are permitted, and no open-flame candles.
  • Artist Dana Dumont will carve pumpkins under the Darlington Oak in Grace Arents Garden with sugar skull designs and other festive decorations.
  • Artist Alfonso Perez Acosta will live-paint in different areas of the Garden. With nature as inspiration, Alfonso will create a painting that will become part of our Altar. 10 a.m. -5 p.m.
  • Bilingual Storytime outside Lora Robins Library Learn about this popular holiday through stories and maybe even some songs! 10 a.m. 

In the Children’s Garden 

  • Paper flowers craft, “papel picado” banners, 10 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (or until supplies last)
  • Pumpkin Painting, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (or until supplies last)
  • Face Painting, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

*Please note the Klaus Family Tree House will be closed from 5-6p.m. for a private event

Food & Drink 

Come celebrate a flavorful culture! Enjoy a variety of offerings for the whole family throughout the Garden.

Visitors Center: Garden Café open 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Near the Conservatory: Taco Bar with adult beverages including craft beers, wine, and margaritas; open 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Near Bloemendaal House: food trucks open 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

E-Loteria Mexican, snacks and treats with a fun and tasty twist.

Latin Quarter RVA Latin American food specializing in Plantain sandwiches and rice bowls.

My Empanada Traditional family recipes from Colombia and South America, baked fresh every day!