Day of the Dead takes over Ottawa’s ByWard Market

The ever-popular Day of the Dead celebrations in the Byward Market have returned for a weekend of Mexican festivities. CTV’s Camille Wilson reports.

Vibrant colours, music and dancing filled the ByWard Market Saturday afternoon as Ottawans gathered to experience a piece of Mexico’s culture for the Day of the Dead celebrations.

The Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, is one of the most popular events in Mexican traditions, and the festival is now celebrating its ninth year in the ByWard Market.

“It’s a very important celebration because it’s a millenary tradition. But, it’s also very meaningful because it’s a time to remember your ancestors and your loved ones that have passed away so they are not forgotten,” says Fabiola Yzeta-Vincent, Executive Director of Yezta meeting and event management. “We are remembering them all together as a community today.”

Yzeta-Vincent says the event attracts more than just locals.

“There’s a lot of tourists coming here. We had the biggest, day of the dead celebration in Canada,” says Yzeta-Vincent.

Family and friends gather for the special holiday, to pray and remember loved one who have passed away in support of their spiritual journey. The day is less about mourning and more about showing honour and respect for the ones lost; a reminder that they are not forgotten.

Festivalgoers celebrated through art, music, dance, traditional food, parities, festivals and other artistic expressions, the same activities those who passed enjoyed in their lifetime.

“It’s important because it’s part of my culture and part of my tradition. It feels like part of me. It makes me feel like I’m in Mexico and I miss it so much,” says Erika Lopez, who attended the Day of the Dead Festival.

Lopez moved to Canada from Mexico 6 years ago with her two daughters. She says she always participated in the Day of the Dead celebrations before moving to Canada, and she loves attending the festival in Ottawa as it makes her feel like she’s home.

“I’m proud of my country. I’m proud of my tradition. I’m proud of being here and to listen to this music. It makes me feel like I’m in Mexico right now,” says Lopez.

Lopez says its important to her to pass on these traditions to her daughters.

“They were born in Mexico but we’ve been here for a long time, they were raised here. For me to show them part of Mexico, it is tradition, culture. This day is especially important to us,” says Lopez.

Part of the day of the dead décor includes skulls and skeletons, made happy to represent the joy of this occasion.

The Day of the Dead festival in the Byward Market offers family-friendly activities for all ages and includes vendors with Mexican cuisine and souvenirs.

“It’s all the culture and the values of our Mexico through this festival,” says Miroslava Martos, who attended the event.

“It’s a way to celebrate life. It’s the day of the dead but in reality, we celebrate life. It’s a great time to remember this tradition full of color and fun,” says Adrianna Susunaga, who also went to the ByWard Market for the celebrations.

Special programming includes Mariachi performances, art exhibitions, authentic Mexican cuisine, a tequila, margarita and mezcal bar, an artisan market, folkloric dancers, live Latin bands, procession, food sampling, workshops and so much more.

The event runs until 6pm Sunday and admission is free.

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