A 'Day of the Dead' Community Event

All Are Welcome

Come as you are, bring your open heart, and join us in creating sacred space together.

Join us for a heartfelt Día de los Muertos a gathering that blends performance, community ritual, and remembrance. The evening will feature a special presentation of Toj, The Becoming of Yax Tz’unun, an original dance/theatre piece exploring transformation, ancestry, and offering.

Content Note: This work includes themes of death.

Performance Description

In this performance, Heryka offers her ‘Toj’—a sacred offering in the Mayan calendar tradition, symbolizing gratitude for the sustenance and support received throughout life. This ritual act is dedicated to the powerful energy of the jaguar, a guardian spirit invoked for its courage and strength in clearing the path of obstacles—both seen and unseen.

Through movement, storytelling, and presence, Heryka embarks on a transformational journey, uncovering memories filled with the wisdom of loved ones who have passed on. She sheds what no longer serves to make way for the arrival of Yaz Tz'unun— Blue Hummingbird. A sacred messenger, Yaz Tz’unun brings with it wisdom, beauty, and clarity.

As the performance unfolds, the audience is invited to witness a process of spiritual offering, ancestral connection, and inner transformation—a clearing of the way for new insight to emerge.

This dance project has been made possible through the generous support of the Ontario Arts Council and the Hamilton City Enrichment Fund.

Community Altar Creation and Traditional Delights

In the spirit of tradition, we invite you to take part in creating a community altar (ofrenda)—a space to honor loved ones who have passed. We'll also share pan de muerto (Day of the Dead bread) and hot chocolate in a warm celebration together.

The traditional delights has been made possible through the generous support of Righting Relations Hamilton. The flowers, a gift of beauty and remembrance are generously donated by Glancaster Farms.

All ticket proceeds will go toward fundraising for the 2026 Sunflower Festival, a community-led celebration uplifting migrant farmworker communities—the very people who first introduced me to the beauty and meaning of Día de los Muertos.

This event is held in loving memory of Luis, affectionately known as the sunflower man, whose stories and spirit continue to inspire this work. Though Luis has passed on, his light lives on in the traditions we share and the festival we are growing each year.

Info: Arrive, settle in, and contribute to the 'Community Altar.'

A smudging will be available for those who wish to partake in this grounding practice

Info: We’ll begin with a heartfelt gratitude address and a short teaching to open the evening.

Followed by — A powerful 30-minute Dance | Theatre performance (approximately 30 mins) weaving movement and storytelling together.

Info: A short Q&A with time to make community offerings to the altar (offer items will be provided), and a chance to mingle over treats!

Also check out other Arts events in Hamilton, Theatre events in Hamilton.