Mission Viejo Activities Committee (MVAC) invites you to participate in the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival by creating a unique Ofrenda/Altar that memorializes someone dear to you.
It can be dedicated to an ancestor, family member, friend, to a collective event/s (i.e. service workers who passed away in the line of duty, cancer warriors, etc.) pet or to any celebrated figure. The Invitation is open to the public, organizations, schools and businesses.
Día de los Muertos marks a time for people to remember and honor the deceased by creating an “ofrenda” (offering) altar with food, photographs, flowers and items that hold significance to both the deceased loved one and those still living. In Mexican tradition, the ofrenda welcomes back the person's spirit for one night to enjoy the things they did when they were living.
Application and fee deadline is October 23rd at 5pm. Registration is on a first come, first served basis. Payment will be due upon application acceptance (check or credit card accepted). No refunds. Please notify us if you need to cancel so we can offer the space to the waitlist.
Immerse yourself in tradition and creativity - your altar makes this event a success, from start to finish!
$5.00 Fee for the Public, Non-profit organizations, and Schools
$25.00 Fee for Businesses and For-profit organizations
(Fees support Volunteerism Scholarship Program for High School Seniors)
Set-Up Information
The exhibit is held at the Norman P. Murray Community Center during the festival. All judging (except "Peoples Choice") will take place between 1-2pm. "Peoples Choice" between 2pm-5pm. The winners will be announced after the movie at approx. 6:45pm. Please follow the guidelines below when assembling your altar. You will be assigned a 6 ft. by 6 ft. section. One (1) 6ft table will be reserved.
- SET UP: On Friday, October 27th between 4pm-8pm or Saturday and October 28th between 9am-12pm.
- Ofrenda Dedication: Small poster regarding your ofrenda; who it is dedicated to and why. A history of the group, cause or individual. Large enough font for people that visit your ofrenda can read it. Suggested size is 8.5"x11".
- NO lit candles - only BATTERY OPERATED candles allowed. (No lit incense).
- Contest participants are responsible for bringing boxes, table cloths, and/or any other materials needed to erect and secure the ofrenda.
- ELECTRICITY is not guaranteed. No extension cords provided.
Judging
Ofrendas are Altars that typically include the traditional elements of flowers, candles, bread, water and photos to honor, remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones that have passed away.
Criteria:
1. Color/colorful
2. Traditional/culture
3. Original/original
4. Creativity/creatividad
5. Written dedication and meaning
Ofrenda Categories:
1. Traditional
2. Artistic
3. Novice
4. People’s Choice
Winners
All winner's will be announced at the end of the event, after the showing of Pixar's animated film, "Coco". (Approximately 6:45pm).
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The Mission Viejo Activities Committee (MVAC) cannot be held responsible for any items left or forgotten. Any unclaimed items will become property of MVAC. By completing the altar application, participant agrees to hold harmless MVAC and the City of Mission Viejo and sponsors for loss, theft or damage.
