Celebrating The Day of the Dead in Wellington

01 November 2013

The Wellington Zapatista Support Group is for the seventh year running holding a fundraising event on Mexico’s famous celebration of the dead – el Dia de los Muertos. This year it is being celebrated on Saturday 2nd November at The Grand in Courtenay Place, Wellington.

The Day of the Dead is an ancient tradition when Mexican’s honour the spirits of their deceased ancestors, paying homage with colourful altars in their homes and all-night vigils in cemeteries.

This tradition may sound macabre to those unfamiliar with it, but it is actually a celebration of the life cycle, reminding us of our short stay here on earth, and celebrating the things we hold dear.

For the Wellington Zapatista Support Group, the dearest thing is justice - and the pursuit of it. This year we are thrilled to be able to celebrate the release of Chiapan political prisoner Professor Alberto Patishtan, who has spent over 13 years imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, and who this week received a presidential pardon, and order for his release from a living death on 31 October 2013.

We are also celebrating the life of autonomous Zapatista communities in Mexico and elsewhere, and their support bases. Despite numerous and ongoing attempts to drive them off their lands, Zapatista communities continue to survive and to thrive, developing their own health, education, and legal systems based on 'usos y costumbres' or traditions and customs perfected over thousands of years, constantly evolving to meet the demands of the 21st Century.

Developing and training personnel for health and education services costs money, and for subsistence farmers it is all but impossible to do on their own.

HELP US HELP THE ZAPATISTAS HELP THEMSELVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Come to The Grand, open your heart and your wallet, and dance to the tune of justice!

Celebrate the release from prison of Professor Alberto Patishtan

Support the Zapatistas in their efforts to create a world in which many worlds fit!
Dance the night away to Latino beats - Mariachi Trio Fidel Pimentel & Cumbia Blazera. DJ Gonzalez & DJ Deskontrol

WHERE: The Grand, Courtenay Place

WHEN: Saturday 2nd November, 9pm onwards

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