El Día de los Muertos 2023
Cheekwood brings the traditions of Mexico and Latin America to Nashville during the 24th annual El Día de los Muertos festival
that includes traditional music and dance, vibrant art activities, and authentic cuisine. Visitors will learn about the culture of their Latin American neighbors while exploring beautiful altar displays and shopping in the marketplace.
*Due to limited parking and timed tickets, school groups coming on buses will not be allowed.
Schedule of Events
Saturday, October 28
Entertainment
Main Stage
10 – 10:30 AM | Bilingual Song and Storytime with Senora Rachel
11 – 11:50 AM | Rachel Rodriguez
12:30 – 1:20 PM | Canción: Flowers Of Spanish Song (with the Nashville Opera)
2 – 3:20 PM | AB Band
FLC Courtyard (Dance Performances):
10:30 – 10:50 AM | Aztec Dancers
12 – 12:30 PM | Folklore Iyali
1:30 – 2 PM | Glencliff Ballet Folklorico
3:30 – 4 PM | Aztec Dancers
Food Vendors
Beer Garden
Little Cancun on the Go
Parking Lot B
Caracasville
Delicias Colombianas RR
Nelly’s Peruvian Sweets
The Inka Trailer
Maria’s Snacks
Sieté Luminarias
FLC Courtyard
Amor y Churros
Conexion Americas
Art & Good Vendors
Bows by Nici
Bisutería Nashville
La Casa Azul
Cheekwood
Cindy David Designs
Happy Phantom
Najah Cuidado Artesanal
Nina’s Colores
Skulls & Roses
The Llama House
Valentina Harper
Vera Art
Sunday, October 29
Entertainment
Main Stage
11 – 11:50 AM | Rosa Rodriguez
12:30 – 1:20 PM | Duo Sudeste
2 – 3:20 PM | Luna Morena and Serenatta
FLC Courtyard (Dance Performances)
10:15 – 10:45 AM | Aztec Dancers
12 – 12:30 PM | Mi Cielito Lindo
1:30 – 2 PM | Baila
3:30 – 4 PM | Aztec Dancers
Food Vendors
Beer Garden
MOREMPANADAS
Parking Lot B
Caracasville
Nelly’s Peruvian Sweets
The Inka Trailer
Maria’s Snacks
Sieté Luminarias
Delicias Colombianas RR
FLC Courtyard
Amor y Churros
Panecito Kale
Art & Good Vendors
Bows by Nici
Bisutería Nashville
La Casa Azul
Cheekwood
Cindy David Designs
Happy Phantom
Najah Cuidado Artesanal
Nina’s Colores
Skulls & Roses
The Llama House
Valentina Harper
Vera Art
Murals / Los Murales
Murals depicting the Day of the Dead have a strong history throughout Latin America, highlighted by the works of Diego Rivera and José Guadalupe Posada, the creator of the iconic Catrina figure. Finding inspiration in these artists, students from local middle and high schools will create large-scale works which will hang in the Great Hall.
Participating Schools
Buckhorn High School
Culleoka Spanish Club
Cane Ridge High School Visual Arts
McMurray Middle School
Hume Fogg
St. Cecilia Academy Spanish Club
Summit High School – National Art Honors Society
Stratford STEM Magnet High School
Meigs Academic Middle
Nolensville High School – Los Caballeros
East Nashville Middle School
USN – Lucha Group
USN – International Club
Shelbyville Spanish Club
Glencliff High School International Club
Altars
One of the most important aspects of El Día de los Muertos is the creation of a memorial altar for the departed, known as an ofrenda. All across Mexico and beyond, families honor their ancestors by creating altars decorated with items that the deceased enjoyed in life. Learn more about this tradition as you tour the creative ofrendas designed by local groups and organizations.
Participating Organizations
Alvéole
FUTURO, Inc.
International Club USN
KIPP Nashville
MLK Spanish Honor Society
MNPD Family Intervention Program
Mundito Spanish
Paragon Mills Elementary
Shelbyville Spanish Club
Voces de Nashville
Cheekwood is grateful for the support and guidance of the
El Día de los Muertos Advisory Committee:
Maricruz Flores, Cheekwood Volunteer
David Julseth, Belmont University
Luisa Mattos da Costa, Vanderbilt Center for Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies
Claudia Nielson, Catholic Charities
Rachel Rodriguez, Performer and Entrepreneur
Arcelia Vasquez, USN
Ofelia Vázquez, La Mision ConArte
Jose Vera, Artist
Suzy Vera, Cheekwood Volunteer
