Once you have arrived at the altar, created by local Mexican Canadian artist Paloma Morales, you are encouraged to contribute photos and mementos of your loved ones.

Día de los Muertos is believed to reunite the living and the dead through ofrendas (offerings on colourful altars) that are prepared a few days before the holiday. This is when it is believed that the dead return to visit their friends and relatives. Altars are decorated with bright flowers, photos, and the favourite foods of those being honoured. Because of its importance as a defining aspect of Mexican culture it is recognized by UNESCO as a part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2008.

The Day of the Dead altar at MOA is open for self-guided visits from November 1–3. On November 2 and 3 (10:30 am – 12 pm), Paloma Morales, the artist who created the altar, will be present in the Haida House to discuss her work and share this important cultural holiday with visitors.

Paloma Morales was born in Mexico and at the age of 25 she moved to study in London, England, then lived in Sydney Australia where she was Vice-President of MAWAI (Mexican Australian Association INC). Now living in Vancouver, Paloma is the Community Manager with Latincouver. Paloma has been making public altars as a way to share her Mexican traditions and culture.

This event is hosted in partnership with Latincouver, as a part the Latin American Heritage Month Festival. 

For the Fourth consecutive year, Latincouver will celebrate Latin American Heritage Month in BC, by bringing a series of interactive events that include a combination of artists’ performances, art exhibitions, online webinars, forums, and events to commemorate the rich and fascinating Latin American heritage and its influence in BC and Canada.