Día de los Muertos is a traditional Mexican celebration that honours the lives and memories of those who have come before us. Rooted in Indigenous and Mexican cultural traditions, the festival brings together art, storytelling, music, food, and community to create a meaningful space for remembrance and connection. Through vibrant artistic expressions, Día de los Muertos celebrates the ongoing relationship between the living and those who have passed, while inviting people of all backgrounds to participate in a shared experience of creativity and reflection.
The event is a welcoming celebration built on the values of diversity, inclusion, and community connection, adding a new layer to the cultural vibrancy that Saint John has become known for. Día de los Muertos Atlantic Canada has grown from its beginnings as a series of activities and workshops in Saint John and is expanding its programming to Fredericton with artist-led workshops at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery. These workshops will provide participants with an opportunity to explore the artistic traditions of Día de los Muertos, learn new creative techniques, and celebrate the richness of Mexican culture through art.
Painting Alebrijes
Sunday, October 18, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Instructor: Emerging Artist David Chávez Andrade
Step into the vibrant world of Alebrijes, one of Mexico's most imaginative and beloved folk art traditions. These fantastical creatures, known for their bold colours and intricate patterns, represent creativity, transformation, and the limitless power of the imagination.
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn about the cultural origins and significance of Alebrijes while exploring colour theory, contrast, pattern, repetition, and composition. Guided by emerging artist David Chávez Andrade, each participant will paint their own Alebrije using vivid acrylic and neon paints to create a unique work of art inspired by this rich Mexican tradition.
Whether you are an experienced artist or picking up a paintbrush for the first time, this workshop offers a welcoming and creative environment where participants can develop artistic skills, celebrate cultural diversity, and express their own creativity.
Age: 10+
Duration: 3 hours
Group Size: up to 20 participants
Fee: $60 per participant (all materials included)
My Sugar Skull Amigo
Sunday, October 18, 2026 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Instructor: Emerging Artist Evelin Mariela Valle Correa
Join us for a fun, hands-on cultural art experience where children create their own articulated Mexican cartonería (papier-mâché) skeleton while learning about the joyful traditions of Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead). Participants will decorate a handcrafted skeleton using paints, fabrics, flowers, hats, ribbons, and other colorful materials, transforming it into a one-of-a-kind character. Along the way, children will explore the themes of remembrance, family, creativity, and celebration through age-appropriate storytelling and art.
Ages: 5–12
Duration: 2 hours
Group Size: 10–15 participants
Fee: $50 per participant (all materials included)
Participants will receive:
