The Embassy of Mexico in Serbia celebrated the Day of the Dead on November 3 with the fourth annual Day of the Dead Festival in Belgrade — a cultural initiative that brought together hundreds of people on Knez Mihailova Street, in front of the Cervantes Institute, on a day dedicated to one of Mexico’s most important traditions of intangible cultural heritage, recognized by UNESCO
The event, organized in cooperation with the Cervantes Institute and various cultural partners, offered a festive and impressive experience that included live music, audiovisual projections, face painting, the Catrina parade, and a tasting of traditional pan de muerto (sweet bread made for the Day of the Dead).
One of the highlights of the festival was the presentation of a traditional Mexican Ofrenda (altar), led by H.E. Ambassador Carlos Félix Corona, who emphasized the symbolic value of this tradition as a bridge between cultures and as a living expression of Mexican identity. This year, the altar was dedicated to artist Frida Kahlo, honoring her legacy as a symbol of freedom, resilience, and creativity.
The festival featured a selection of short films from the Mexican Film Institute (IMCINE), offering audiences a contemporary perspective on memory, life, and death: Los pedazos del tiempo (The Pieces of Time) by Elena García González (2017), La Noria y Jacinta by Karla Castañeda, El pescador (The Fisherman) by Samanta Pineda Sierra, and Hasta los huesos (Down to the Bone) by René Castillo.
The artistic program included performances by the choir “The International Belgrade Singers” (IBS Choir) and Mexican artist Karla Cardenal, who performed traditional Mexican songs in a moving concert celebrating Mexico’s musical richness.
As part of the activities, the public was invited to join a festive parade along Knez Mihailova Street, dressed as Catrinas — the iconic figures of the Day of the Dead. The Embassy awarded prizes for the best costumes, recognizing the participants’ creativity and enthusiasm. Free face painting was also offered, along with traditional pan de muerto, a culinary symbol of this celebration.
The Embassy of Mexico in Serbia deeply appreciates the support of the Cervantes Institute, the IBS Choir, artist Karla Cardenal, and all collaborators who made this celebration possible. The festival reaffirms Mexico’s commitment to promoting its cultural heritage and strengthening the bonds of friendship between Mexico and Serbia.
