Día de los Muertos festival to feature new Catrina artist

Dancers celebrate Mexican culture and tradition during the 2024 Downey Día de los Muertos Art Festival. The annual event returns to the Downey Theatre and surrounding grounds Nov. 1. (City of Downey photo)

DOWNEY – A new Catrina sculpture and community altar will be among the additions to this year’s Downey Día de los Muertos Art Festival, which returns Sunday, Nov. 1, at the Downey Theatre and surrounding grounds.

The free festival, now in its 13th year, will take place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and feature visual art, storytelling, puppetry, altars and other cultural activities.

Among this year’s featured artists is Rubicelia “Rubi” Prieto, founder and artist behind La Calaca Blanca. Prieto will bring a new Catrina sculpture and community altar to the festival.

A self-taught artist, Prieto has spent the past decade creating large-scale paper-mâché Catrina sculptures and immersive installations inspired by Día de los Muertos traditions.

Her work uses paper, paint and traditional craftsmanship to create colorful, larger-than-life pieces centered on remembrance, Mexican culture and community.

Also returning this year is the popular Dodger Altar by Alec Esparza. The baseball-themed installation will be part of a larger collection of ofrendas and other displays honoring those who have died.

The festival will again include art exhibitions presented in partnership with the Downey Arts Coalition, showcasing artists working in a variety of mediums.

In addition to art, the annual event brings together music, dance, food, family activities and community traditions. Organizers say the festival is intended to support local artists and artisans while giving visitors an opportunity to learn about and celebrate Día de los Muertos.

The Downey Día de los Muertos Art Festival will be held at 8435 Firestone Blvd. Admission and parking are free.