This event best suited for for families with children ages 2–12.
Celebrate Dia de los Muertos and Hispanic Heritage Month at PAC this October! The Family Live Arts Cultural Series kick off its 5th Season with Tonantzin, a children’s Mexican Folkloric Dance group led by Pamela Plata. Their performance fuses, for the first time, the colorful music, dances and costumes indigenous to the Guadalupe region and the Nahuatl peoples with the vibrant traditions of the upcoming Dia de los Muertos holiday in sharing their rich heritage. Young singer musician, Victoria Aguilar, will perform live on the Jarana jarocha, an 8 stringed guitar shaped instrument from the southern region of the state of Veracruz, Mexico and played in a percussive style. Special food tastes, craft making and other activities fill out this interactive and educationally enriching program for the whole family.
Cost: Donations accepted
ABOUT
Dia de los Muertos is a vibrant two-day holiday celebrated annually on November 1 and 2. Originating in Mexico, it honors deceased loved ones through joyful family reunions, colorful altars, favorite foods, and bright marigolds rather than mourning is a vibrant two-day holiday celebrated annually from the end of October to November 1 and 2. Originating in Mexico, it honors deceased loved ones through joyful family reunions, colorful altars, favorite foods, and bright marigolds rather than mourning.
Tonantzin symbolizes Mexican heritage, Indigenous roots, motherhood, strength, community, and the preservation of culture through art, dance, and education.
BIO TONANTZIN & Pamela Plata is a community leader and folkloric dance instructor dedicated to working with children and youth in Philadelphia’s Mexican and Latin American communities. She is the founder and director of the dance group Tonantzin, who have performed in the Mummer’s Parade and at the Kimmel Center. Plata has created a space where cultural identity, discipline, and artistic expression come together. Her experience as both a performer and instructor has shaped her teaching style, which emphasizes respect, responsibility, and pride in cultural traditions. She remains committed to bringing new ideas, innovative cultural choreographies, and meaningful community-based performances to future events, ensuring that Mexican folkloric traditions continue to thrive in the next generation.