Jim Hammond’s Puppet Network and acclaimed South Florida Hospitality Group, Damn Good Hospitality, are thrilled to celebrate ten years of partnership with the 13^th anniversary of the Florida Day of the Dead Celebration. Taking place on Saturday, November 5^th from 4pm-11pm, this FREE South Florida event is a creative spectacle honoring Mexican and Latin American traditions while generating modern interpretations that connect a broad spectrum of people. With back-to-back events at Huizenga Park, Fort Lauderdale’s Riverwalk, and Damn Good Hospitality venues including Revolution Live and Backyard FTL, this is a can’t miss Broward event.

For more than 25 years, Puppet Master Jim Hammond and their company Puppet Network have delighted audiences with a variety of immersive art experiences throughout South Florida.  13 years ago, they brought the creation of an ultimate community event to life: Florida Day of the Dead Celebration.  In early November, it is believed that the gateway between Mictlan, the ancient Aztec Land of the Dead, and our own opens up so that we can dance and sing with our lost loved ones at this special time of year. This grassroots driven event incorporates that tradition along with a processional with puppets – up to 18 feet tall – and a brilliant street festival.

Ten years ago, Damn Good Hospitality CEO Jeff John saw the potential for this to become a signature event for Fort Lauderdale. He and his brother, Jarred John, admired and respected the creativity and tenacity of Jim Hammond and their team, and approached Jim to increase the scope and visibility of the event.  Since the partnership began, the Florida Day of the Dead celebration now boasts accolades including, “Top 6 ‘Most Spirited’ DOTD Events in U.S” by the L.A. Times, “Top 6 Best DOTD Events in U.S” by AFAR and Thrillist and “Top 10 DOTD Events in North America” by The USA Today, and is known as one of the greatest celebrations in the country.

“Our mission is to produce a signature event for all ages that maintains and respects the cultural integrity of international Dia de los Muertos traditions.  Working directly with Damn Good Hospitality and our other partners has raised us to this remarkable level.” – Event Founder and Master Puppeteer, Jim Hammond

 “This is the 10th year that my brother Jeff and I have been collaborating with Jim Hammond and their team of puppeteers, artists, and volunteers. We could not be happier with the authenticity they bring to every event they envision and produce” – said Jarred John, Partner of Damn Good Hospitality.  “Jim is one of the greatest creative minds of our community who is expanding the world’s perception of our city.  We are honored to have them here!”   

Among the artists Jim has relied on, Sculptor and Clay Artist Lu Ru has been there since the beginning.  “Over 13 years ago I responded to a call for artists interested in Day of the Dead to meet. Jim’s enthusiasm and earnest desire to generate connection and community was contagious. That evening I signed up to help create the festival. Since then my life has been populated by a vibrant community of characters that swirl around Jim. They are a brilliant organizer and motivator and help to make South Florida a fun place to live and make art!” 

This year’s Day Of The Dead starts at Huizenga Plaza Saturday, November 5^th at 4pm. The “Mexhika Stage” will have indigenous dance and music by the danza groups Tloke Nuake and Mesoamerican Danza. Guests will also have the chance to enjoy sugar skull face painting, along with mask and puppet making as folks gather for the annual processional. The park will open early for participants to have their faces painted and to take photos with Puppet Network’s giant skeleton puppets.

At 5:30pm sharp, the Skeleton Processional beings, featuring 25 giant puppets up to 18-feet tall and a community of skeletons, who will follow the Mexican American Council’s Mariachi musicians along Fort Lauderdale’s beautiful Riverwalk, culminating at Revolution Live. New Orleans styled Brass Bands will bring lively music through the end of the Processional.

Following the Skeleton Processional, attendees will arrive at Revolution Live and Backyard FTL, the epicenter of the event, which will feature two stages including: “Folklorico Stage” (5-11pm/ Traditional Mexican and Latin-American Dance & Music) and the “Boneyard Bandstand” (6pm-2am/New Orleans inspired Brass bands).  Over 100 of the best regional artisans will be showcased at “Craft Crypt” north of Revolution Live off SW 3rd Avenue. At the “Muertos Street Festival”, food trucks, traditional dance, and street performers, will fill you with food and fun. The street festival will be open from 5-11pm.

“The Florida Day of the Dead Celebration has become one of Fort Lauderdale’s signature events each year and showcases our diversity and great quality of life to the world,” states City of Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis.  “For the 13th year, our community will come together to celebrate the circle life merging the richness of Mexican and Latin American culture with remembrances of All Souls Day. It is a wonderful, family-friendly show with its giant puppets, costumes and skeleton processional.” 

On Wednesday, November 2nd, a new traditional Dia de los Muertos Candlelight Vigil will be celebrated from 7-9pm at Damn Good Hospitality’s Stache located at 109 SW 2nd Avenue.  Designed to resemble a graveside experience in Oaxaca Mexico where one would celebrating loved ones alongside candles, music and a cerveza – this ancient experience will be recreated on this sacred day in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

The Florida Day of the Dead Celebration is proudly supported by our event partners including Puppet Network, Mexican American Council, Damn Good Hospitality (Revolution Live, Backyard FTL, Stache), Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale, City of Fort Lauderdale, General Consulate of Mexico in Miami, Puppet Guild of South Florida, and Broward County Cultural Division among many others. For more information, please visitwww.dayofthedeadflorida.com.