Media Release: Sydney, Australia
Monday 19 October 2015
A PARTY TO DIE FOR
Los Vida Celebrates the Mexican Day of the Dead in Crows Nest
One of Mexico’s most iconic national holidays, El Dia Del Muertos translated as Day of the Dead, comes alive at
Los Vida Crows Nest, who have partnered with the Mexican embassy for the celebrations.
On Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October, coinciding with Halloween, the weekend of deadly fun will celebrate spirits
past and present, with one of Mexico’s most talented international artist’s, Joaquin Garcia Quintana; Mexican
food reserved for this special day; as well as colourful skull face painting.
Los Vida co-owner and Mexican native Octavio Gomez-Haro said, “In keeping with the ancient Aztec tradition of
celebrating the life of the ones that have passed away, Joaquin Garcia Quintana will create a live art exhibition
through a Day of the Dead altar to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Jose Maria Morelos one of Mexico's
revolutionary heroes.”
"The Day of the Dead is one of the most ancient traditions in Mexico and one that sets us apart from many other
cultures. We celebrate in life those that are no longer with us. But we do this the Mexicano way by setting up an
altar filled with all the food, drinks and treats that the person who passed away used to love, as an offering to their
legacy,” he said.
"Los Vida is very excited to share this special occasion with our amigo, one of the most talented international
Mexican artists of our time. Quintana will be sharing the amazing rituals of our culture and reminding us that life is
brief, so it’s important to appreciate every moment,” said Gomez-Haro.
Alongside decorating the ofrenda – the altar of offerings to those passed - traditionally ornamented with colourful
sugar skulls, fresh flowers, incense and delectable treats; Los Vida team will also unveil a 6 foot tailor-made
painting from Garcia Quintana made exclusively for Los Vida. This impressive art-work recognizes the symbolism of
the sun and its role in Mexican culture.
“We are very excited to share more of Mexico’s traditions and impressive art culture,” said Mark Dopson, Los Vida
co-director. We have been working alongside the Mexican Embassy in Australia who have made this possible.
Their support has been outstanding and we are very grateful,” he said.
Los Vida’s head chef Pablo Galindo has created Day of the Dead dishes traditionally reserved for this day in
Mexico. Among the offerings you will find Pan de muertos, a donut-like roll decorated with bone-shaped pieces
usually eaten at the gravesite or altar of the deceased; and Tamales, an ancient Mayan dish featuring seasoned
meat and maize flour, baked in maize husks.
With surprises being cooked up throughout the weekend and a 10 metre cocktail bar featuring one of Australia’s
largest boutique Mezcal and Tequila lists, getting in the spirit shouldn’t be too difficult, whether you’re dead or
alive.
Face painting will transform the living into Mexico’s inconic La Catrina the flower-crowned dapper skeleton and
lady of the dead; or El Catrin her ghostly male counterpart.
A $250 dining voucher will be awarded to the person or persons who posts the most vibrant photo of their Day of
the Dead experience at Los Vida to the Los Vida Instagram page.
Walk-ins will be accepted but bookings are recommended so you can secure a spot, just give Los Vida’s Crows
Nest a call on 02 9439 8323.
ENDS
WHAT:
TIME:
WHERE:
LOS VIDA
5 pm
419 Pacific Highway, CROWS NEST
Follow Los Vida’s social media channels for all the latest updates:
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/LosVidaMexican
Instagram:
instagram.com/Los_vida
Twitter:
twitter.com/LosVida1
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Amber Forrest-Bisley, Director Cardinal Spin
P: 02 8065 7363 M: 0401 326 007
E: amber@cardinalspin.com.au
EDITORS NOTES:
LOS VIDA
Los Vida was born to celebrate the vibrant Mexican culture and how alive it makes you feel. Octavio and Pablo
were both born and raised Mexican ‘chilangos’ (Mexican slang for residents of Mexico City). Their passion to travel
and share the Mexican way of life has landed them in Sydney and Los Vida celebrates their Mexican identity. Along
with Co-Founder & Director Mark Dopson and his team, Los Vida opened their first restaurant on level 6, Sydney
City Westfield nine months ago, quickly gaining a loyal following of diners hungry for a healthy and authentic
Mexican experience. In March they opened their Wintergarden store which was followed by Crows Nest in July.
The unprecedented demand the team are experiencing means plans are in the works for another four locations to
open at key sites around Sydney City by the end of 2016, including Barangaroo.
DAY OF THE DEAD
Dia de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) honours the dead with festivals and lively celebrations on November 1st.
Although marked throughout Latin America and acknowledged around the world, Dia de los Muertos is most
strongly associated with Mexico, where the tradition originated. The custom combines indigenous Aztec ritual with
Catholicism, brought to the region by Spanish conquistadores; and is celebrated on All Saints Day and All Souls
Day, minor holidays in the Catholic calendar. Assured that the dead would be insulted by mourning or sadness,
family and friends celebrate the lives of the deceased with food, drink, parties, and activities the dead enjoyed in
life. The holiday recognises death as a natural part of the human experience, a continuum with birth, childhood,
and growing up to become a contributing member of the community. On Dia de los Muertos, the dead are also a
part of the community, awakened from their eternal sleep to share celebrations with their loved ones. The most
familiar symbol of Dia de los Muertos is the calacas and calaveras (skeletons and skulls), which appear everywhere
during the holiday; in candied sweets, as parade masks, and dolls. Calacas and calaveras are almost always
portrayed as enjoying life, often in fancy clothes and entertaining situations.
JOAQUIN GARCIA QUINTANA
At 21 years old, Joaquin submitted his graphic designs portfolio to a national contest organized by the prestigious
Mexican newspaper Excelsior and won first prize. The nomination attracted the attention of a Matamoros
businessman who sponsored his first trip to Italy to continue his education. Additional sponsored trips followed,
and the number of clients seeking his paintings increased. He has recently been invited by Mexico’s Foreign Affairs
Department to paint a mural and present a solo exhibit in Sydney. Joaquin works from his private studio in
Matamoros, one of Mexico’s oldest neighbourhoods. He mainly studies artists that epitomize a style and art
movement leaders – like Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Cezanne and Picasso.