Catrina Procession (Gastown) & Closing Ceremony (Latin Plaza HUB)
The Catrinas Procession at Granville Island is a living tribute to the rich cultural heritage of Mexico’s Día de los Muertos. Rooted in pre-Hispanic traditions and popularized by artist José Guadalupe Posada, La Catrina represents a powerful symbol of death as part of life — an invitation to honor ancestors with joy, art, and remembrance. During the procession, participants don elaborately painted skull faces and ornate costumes, transforming Granville Island into a vibrant stage of cultural storytelling. Each Catrina embodies a connection between generations, celebrating the lives of those who have passed while preserving ancestral memory. The parade combines music, dance, and ritual, reflecting centuries-old practices that blend indigenous beliefs with Catholic All Saints’ traditions. It is more than a spectacle — it is a communal act of cultural continuity, remembrance, and identity, inviting all to engage with Latin American heritage in a deeply meaningful way.