Calling all monsters, goblins, ghosts, and ghouls! Downtown Orlando’s dynamic cultural community, The Downtown Arts District and CityArts Factory, returned with their award-winning ninth annual “Dia de los Muertos & Monster Factory” Exhibit and Block Party presented by el Jimador on Thursday, Oct. 18.
The event is inspired by the traditional Mexican holiday, Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. The event is the brainchild of Leena Buchy, CityArts Factory’s gallery manager of 10 years. She brought it to life through the help of Carolina Suarez-Garcia, a local Peruvian character artist. After Buchy’s passing in 2017, Downtown Arts District hired Pink Hair Productions to coordinate the event planning of the exhibit and street party. “Downtown Arts District will continue producing Dia de los Muertos & Monster Factory in Buchy’s legacy for years to come,” said Downtown Arts District development manager Ha’ani Hogan.
This unique event combines an outdoor street party and a huge art exhibit of Halloween- and Dia de los Muertos-inspired art. On average, the exhibit features artwork of various mediums created by more than 200 artists. Guests were able to view the themed original artwork and ofrendas (offerings) by local and national artists exhibited at CityArts Factory.
The guest lineup for this year’s event included Phantasmagoria, Bloody Jug Band, Mariachi Oro, Ritmo Kru, and BalaChandra Belly Dancing. There was also a special performance from FusionFest, a brand new festival happening in downtown Orlando during Thanksgiving weekend 2018. Additionally, the event featured spooky art vendors, food, face painting, a kids crafts area, costume contest, photo opportunities, and raffles. The entrance fee was a suggested $5 donation with proceeds going toward supporting the exhibit space and performers participating in the event.
This year’s event was the last time that the Block Party will take place at the 29 S Orange Avenue location, due to CityArts Factory moving its headquarters to the historic Rogers Kiene building in 2019. Dia de los Muertos & Monster Factory will continue in 2019 for its 10th anniversary at the new location, coincidentally, still on Pine Street, just a couple of blocks east of its current location.
