Latin American Heritage Month Festival 2025: Granville Island

For the seven consecutive year, Latincouver will celebrate Latin American Heritage Month in BC, by bringing a series of interactive events that include a combination of artists performances, art exhibitions, workshops, online workshops, forums, and events to commemorate the rich and fascinating Latin American heritage and its influence in BC and Canada.

Events

- Opening Ceremony Date: OCT 14 Location: Ocean Artworks, Granville Island Time: 5 P.M. – 9 P.M.
The Latin American Heritage Month 2025 Opening Ceremony begins with a vibrant and symbolic gathering that celebrates the richness of Latin cultures in Canada. The evening will feature live performances from Latin artists, along with reflections from Indigenous and Latin American representatives. Together, they will highlight the importance of honoring ancestors, preserving traditions, and passing cultural knowledge to future generations.

- La Feria del Libro en Español Date: OCT 25 – 26 Location: Ocean Artworks, Granville Island Time: 11 A.M. – 5 P.M.
Celebrate the beauty of Spanish literature at this engaging book fair. Visitors will enjoy book exchanges, storytelling sessions, children’s activities, art displays, and live author talks. The fair provides an inspiring space to explore stories that reflect Latin America’s diverse voices, identities, and imagination.

- La Catrina Procession Date: NOV 1 Location: Granville Island Time: 5 P.M. – 6 P.M.
Step into the world of La Catrina, the elegant and iconic figure of Día de los Muertos, with a magical parade and night party. This unforgettable evening includes a costume parade, cocktail tastings, live music, and a best-dressed Catrina contest. Celebrate tradition, creativity, and cultural pride in one of Vancouver’s most vibrant cultural gatherings.

- Catrina Party Date: NOV 1 Location: 1500 Old Bridge St., Granville Island Time: 7 P.M. – 12 A.M.
Step into the world of La Catrina, the elegant and iconic figure of Día de los Muertos, with a magical parade and night party. This unforgettable evening includes a costume parade, cocktail tastings, live music, and a best-dressed Catrina contest. Celebrate tradition, creativity, and cultural pride in one of Vancouver’s most vibrant cultural gatherings.

- LAHM Closing Ceremony Date: NOV 1 Location: 1500 Old Bridge St., Granville Island Time: 6 P.M. – 8 P.M.
The Latin American Heritage Month 2025 comes to a close with a heartfelt and colorful ceremony that brings together the essence of everything celebrated throughout the festival. Hosted within the vibrant atmosphere of the Day of the Dead Market, this event is both a joyful farewell and a tribute to the cultural legacy shared over the past weeks.
Featuring live music, dance, community acknowledgements, and a final tribute to the Day of the Dead, the closing ceremony serves as a moment of reflection and gratitude.

WORKSHOPS Granville Island

- Hands-On Heritage: Learn Papel Picado Date: NOV 1 & 2 Location: Ocean Artworks Time: 12 P.M.
Papel picado (cut paper) is a traditional Mexican folk art made by cutting elaborate patterns into colorful tissue paper. These banners are often used during festivals and celebrations, especially Día de los Muertos, to represent the fragility of life and the movement between the physical and spiritual worlds.
In this workshop, participants will learn how to create their own papel picado while exploring its cultural significance, the symbolism of colors, and the artistry behind each cut.

- Honouring Traditions: Sugar Skull Workshop Date: NOV 1 & 2 Location: Ocean Artworks Time: 1 P.M.
This hands-on activity invites children and adults to decorate traditional Mexican calaveras de azúcar (sugar skulls) using icing, glitter, and beads. Beyond being a fun and creative experience, this workshop explores the deep cultural symbolism of the skulls, which represent the beauty and fragility of life.
In Mexican tradition, sugar skulls are placed on altars during Día de los Muertos to honor deceased loved ones in a joyful and colorful way.
12+ (children under 12 must be accompanied by a guardian)

- Little Altars, Big Meaning: Ofrenda Workshop Date: NOV 1 & 2 Location: Ocean Artworks Time: 3 P.M.
One of the most meaningful traditions of Día de los Muertos is the ofrenda, an altar dedicated to loved ones who have passed away. In this workshop, participants will build miniature altars using craft materials, personal photos, and symbolic objects.
They will learn about the elements of the altar — candles, marigolds, food, photos, and papel picado — and their spiritual and emotional significance. Creating a personal ofrenda fosters a deeper appreciation for how different cultures remember their ancestors.

- A Time to Remember: Storytelling Date: NOV 1 Location: Ocean Artworks Time: 4 P.M.
Gather around for a storytelling experience featuring folktales, legends, and children’s books that explore the meaning of Día de los Muertos. Through narrative and imagination, this session highlights how oral traditions play a vital role in preserving history and identity across generations.
This family-friendly workshop promotes intercultural understanding by showing how stories about life, loss, and love are universal.

- Cut & Create: Paper Flowers Date: NOV 1 Location: Ocean Artworks Time: 5 P.M.
In Mexican culture, the cempasúchil (marigold) flower is known as the “flower of the dead.” Its vibrant orange and yellow petals are believed to guide the spirits back to the world of the living with their bright color and strong scent.Participants in this workshop will craft paper marigolds using crepe and tissue paper while learning about the symbolism, mythology, and sacred role these flowers play in Día de los Muertos rituals.

- The Sacred Art of Corn Reading: Discovering Ancestral Varieties Date: NOV 2 Location: Ocean Artworks Time: 4 P.M.
Join us for an immersive workshop exploring the ancestral knowledge and spiritual significance of corn. For generations across Indigenous cultures, corn has been revered not only as a vital food source, but also as a teacher, guide, and symbol of life.
This workshop invites participants to connect with the sacred meanings of maize through storytelling, tradition, and hands-on practice.

DAY OF THE DEAD CELEBRATIONS

- The Sacred Art of Corn Reading: Discovering Ancestral Varieties Date: NOV 2 Location: Ocean Artworks Time: 4 P.M.
Celebrate one of Mexico’s most cherished and symbolic traditions at the Day of the Dead Market, a vibrant space where culture, memory, and community come together. This event invites visitors to explore the deep meaning behind El Día de los Muertos through live music, traditional crafts, delicious food, and interactive workshops for all ages. It’s a joyful way to honor loved ones who have passed, filled with color, storytelling, and ancestral symbolism.
More than just a cultural showcase, this market is a meaningful opportunity to share and experience Latin American heritage within the Canadian context. Through beautifully crafted altars, the scent of marigolds, and the warmth of community, attendees will connect with the essence of a tradition that celebrates life by remembering those who came before us.

EXHIBITIONS

- Traditional Altar Exhibitions “Dia de los Muertos” Date: OCT 14 – NOV 2 Location: Ocean Artworks, Granville Island Time: 11 A.M. – 5 P.M.
Experience a UNESCO - recognized tradition with an altar curated by Mexican artist Paloma Morales. Visitors are welcome to add photos and tributes to honor their loved ones in this interactive and meaningful installation.

- Latin American Display Date: OCT 14 – NOV 2 Location: Ocean Artworks, Granville Island Time: 11 A.M. – 5 P.M.
This immersive exhibition takes you across Latin America through vibrant displays of festivals, rituals, and traditions. Discover the shared values and unique cultural expressions that define the region’s heritage.
More info