National_PR

Mi Familia Vota Celebrates Dia De Los Muertos In New York Times Square Plaza

Press Release


March 20, 2024

For Immediate Release

Press Contact: Kristian Ramos, KristianR@mifamiliavota.org

NEW YORK, NY – Mi Familia Vota will join the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) Commissioner Manuel Castro and various community partners to celebrate Dia De Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, in Times Square Plaza.

Mi Familia Vota will debut a new 30-second video, it will be looping from 8:00 to 8:20 pm (approx) on Thursday night on Time Square Billboards. The video honors Dia De Los Muertos and features a call to action to vote this election cycle.

Héctor Sánchez Barba, CEO and President of Mi Familia Vota said:

“Dia De Los Muertos is a time of remembrance—a time when we honor the sacrifices of our ancestors and remember the power of our community. Many fought for our right to participate civically. Whether that is voting or making our voices heard in the highest corridors of government, this day is a call to action for all Latinos. Today, we remember the sacrifices others have made to bring us to this moment. To honor those who have passed by engaging in civic participation, now is the time to organize for a better tomorrow.”

Mónica Ramírez, Founder and President Justice for Migrant Women, said:

“Justice for Migrant Women is proud to be part of this inaugural Dia de Muertos celebration, which uplifts this incredibly important cultural holiday in the Latinx community. We are grateful for the opportunity to honor the essential workers who have died by presenting our altar. They have put their lives on the line for all of us, and it is crucial that they are uplifted on this world’s stage.”

Chef Grace Ramirez said:

“This event is about bringing the community together to embrace culture and our ancestors. This is a celebration of life While honoring the dead during a very difficult time for humanity. During moments like this there is an urgent need to come together in community.”

Pedro Zamora, Founder of MECENAS and President of Zamora Entertainment said:

“It truly is an honor working with Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and the entire DOT team on this special event, Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead. It’s a celebration of life and death that originated in Mexico, and it’s celebrated all over Latin America with colorful calaveras (skulls) and calacas (skeletons). We now bring this event to Times Square!”

NYC DOT Commissioner Rodriguez released the following statement to commemorate this event:

“We welcome all New Yorkers to join us in celebrating Dia De Los Muertos, a joyful holiday that honors the rich cultural traditions of Mexico and the memory of loved ones who are no longer with us. This year the City is taking an unprecedented step in partnering with multiple sponsors to host this major event, giving New Yorkers the opportunity to safely enjoy the holiday and connect as a community. I wish everyone a wonderful night of festivities!”

WHAT: On Thursday November 2nd from 4 to 10 p.m., the city will celebrate the Mexican holiday Dia De Los Muertos at Times Square Plaza with performances, Catrina exhibitions, and altars to honor the rich cultural tradition of Mexico and the memory of deceased loved ones.

WHEN:   8:15 p.m. B-Roll opportunity | 8:30 p.m. Speaking program begins | Thursday, November 2, 2023

WHERE:  Times Square Plaza between W 45th and W 47 Streets| This event will be streamed live.

VISUALS: Billboard  |  Performances | Catrinas Exhibition | Altars

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About Mi Familia Vota: Mi Familia Vota is a national civic engagement organization that unites Latino, immigrant, and allied communities to promote social and economic justice through citizenship workshops, voter registration, and voter participation. Mi Familia Vota operates in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, and Texas.