.Alright already we know it’s the Mexican way to have a dedicated day to pray for and remember those who have passed. But as Day of the Dead is celebrated in other cultures it would be remiss of us if we didn’t join in too.
They’re going for it big style at the Old Vic Tunnels where the Wahaca chain of restaurants have joined forces with Olmeca Altos tequila and the Embassy of Mexico in the UK for a four-day festival of music, food, art and film. The celebrations kick off this evening at 7pm and include screenings, performances of live new scores and all kinds of late night revelry. Tickets cost £41 for entertainment and food from Wahaca’s Street Kitchen, or (our tip) pay an extra £10 and get two Olmeca Altos cocktails thrown in. What’s not to like about that?
The Blues Kitchen are keeping it traditional and celebrating their Day of the Dead with mariachi bands and shrines to the dead on the 1st November (the actual date). Get there early for a chance to have your face made up to look like a skull and if you’re good with the lingo, you can get yourself complimentary El Jimador tequila cocktails by simply saying: “Happy Day of the Dead, make mine an El Jimador”, in an authentic Spanish accent as you order your drinks at the bar.
31st Oct-3rd Nov: Day of the Dead Festival, Old Vic Tunnels, Station Approach Road, SE1 8SW. oldvictunnels.com. Tickets £41 for entertainment and food; £51 inc entertainment, food and 2 Olmeca Altos tequila cocktails.
1st Nov: Mexican Day of the Dead, The Blues Kitchen, 111-113 Camden High Street, NW1 7JN. theblueskitchen.com. Free entry all night.
