Sat 31 October & Sun 1 November 2015
11:00 – 18:00 both days
No need to book – just drop in
Free entry and activities under £5

In Mexico, this time of year is traditionally spent honouring lost loved ones with the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) celebrations. Colourful decorations are strung about the streets and shrines built with marigold flowers, candles, memorabilia and sugar skulls to commemorate those who have died, and it’s a time for families to be together.

We’re bringing Day of the Dead festivities to Medway, and you can try out some of the beautiful crafts seen across Mexico, and creative activities inspired by the fiesta. Everyone can get involved, making, printing, decorating, painting, looking, remembering and taking part.

Coming around Halloween, there’s a bit of a cross over with jack-o-lantern imagery, spooky masks and skulls, but this is a celebration focused on gatherings of family and friends rather than mischief and trick or treat. It’s free to come in and look around, and some of the activities are free too. Other activities are priced under £5.

Shrines
Shrine ornaments, decorations, and objects of remembrance will be made throughout the two days and we’ll light them all up as it gets dark. There will be lots of things to create them with, we’ll supply glittery things, card, glues, wax and LED candles, old jewellery etc., but please bring along any photographs and memorabilia, beads, flowers, jam jars for candles, fruit/vegetables or anything else that you might like to use or add to the shrines.
Price: Free

Colouring-in competition
Colour in a sugar skull and add it to the gallery. Our favourite one will get a prize.
Price: Free

Papel Picado
Paper cut banners are traditionally made from tissue paper in Mexico. We’ve noticed how much plastic bags feel like tissue paper once cut into squares, so we’ll be recycling bags into patterned banners to fill the Medway towns with fluttering colour. They’re fun and quick to make.
Price: £1 per person

Sugar skulls
Decorate a sugar skull to take home or add to the shrine.
Price: £3 per person

Face painting
Take inspiration from Mexico and have your face painted with colourful patterns.
£3 per person

Masks
Choose a mask template and decorate it with stickers, ribbons, sparkles, drawings etc to make a fun and spooky disguise.
Price: £4 per person

Piñatas
Decorate a skull shaped papier maché container with strips of tissue and paper shapes. You can fill the finished skull piñata with toys or sweets if you want to use it in the traditional game where the contents are bashed out with sticks by excited attackers!
Price: £4 per person

Jewellery
Make Day of the Dead themed brooches, necklaces or bracelets with recycled materials and beads.
Price: £4 per person 

No need to book – just drop in. These activities are suitable for all ages, young children need to be supervised / helped by an adult.