Luna Mexicana Honors the Dead

Luna Mexicana Honors the Dead

PHOTO COURTESY OF OAKLAND BALLET

The Oakland Ballet Company observes Día de los Muertos with festive dance and music to remember deceased relatives and friends.

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a multiday holiday celebrated by Mexican families across the world in which they honor loved ones who have passed away. Celebrate the holiday with colorful costumes, festive dancing, and live music for two nights of performances from the Oakland Ballet Company.

In Luna Mexicana, a young woman’s dreams bring her relatives and friends dancing back to life, from eerie skeletons to a flying “deer dancer.” The music will include both traditional Mexican folk music and electronic fusions. This year’s program will feature the world premiere of Viva la Vida!, a new ballet dedicated to the life and artistic vision of legendary Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Also on the program’s lineup are Ballet Folklórico México Danza, and Nahui Ehekatl & Co. Aztec dance company.

Come early to the Paramount Theatre’s lobby to visit the ofrendas (collections of offerings placed on ritual altars) provided by the Oakland Museum of California, shop at the Luna Mexicana boutique, and grab refreshments including tamales, pan de muerto, and Mexican hot chocolate. Audience members are encouraged to dress in Día de los Muertos attire. Fri., Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m., and Sat.,

Nov. 3, 4 p.m., $22-$55 adults, $17-$50 seniors (62 plus), $7-$40 children (12 and under), enhanced packages available for Nov. 3 performance, Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland, OaklandBallet.org.