Downtown Kitchener BIA hosting Day of the Dead celebrations

Celebrations will be taking place across the region on Saturday for the Mexican and Latin American celebration, Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.

The Downtown Kitchener BIA has teamed up with TLN Media Group to showcase Mexican and Latin American music, food, art and joyful festivities.

The annual celebration is meant to celebrate those in our lives who have passed away. Decorative alters, called ofrendas, will be displayed at various locations, where people can leave mementos and honour those who have passed away.

The celebration will start at the Kitchener Market, 300 King Street East from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and then a parade will go from the market along King Street East to Queen Street North, ending at Vogelsang Green for more celebrations from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Here is a list of other locations that will be holding celebrations:

• Speakers Corner (King/Benton St.): Musical performances by Singer/Songwriter Busta J and a community Ofrenda from 12 p.m. to 5p.m.
• Matter of Taste (115 King St. W): Live music by Executive Vibez as well as Mexican candy and face painting from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Goudies Lane (Queen St.): DJ IcePink music and dance lessons from TenC Co. from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Bobby O’Brien’s + Don Julio Tacos & Tequila Bar (125 King St. W): Live performance by Mariachi Los Amigos from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Casa Toro 88 (28 Benton St.): Face painting from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Stroll Walking Tours: guided walking tour featuring key locations in the downtown area, including the Kitchener Market, Casa Toro 88, and Vogelsang Green. Tours from 1:30p.m. and 3p.m.