Coalition hosts Day of the Dead on 34th Ave to preserve Mexican heritage
The 34th Ave Open Streets Coalition organized a free public event featuring traditional food and performances on Nov. 1.
By Allison Rojas ·
More than a century of local tradition converged on 34th Avenue and 93rd Street in Jackson Heights on Nov. 1. The 34th Ave Open Streets Coalition hosted a Día de Muertos celebration that drew community members to honor deceased relatives and share Mexican customs.
The event offered attendees tamales and champurrado, along with live musical and dance performances. These elements reflect the holiday’s focus on families and friends gathering to pay respects to loved ones. The date aligns with the traditional observance period, which spans Nov. 1 and Nov. 2.
Jim Burke, co-founder of the coalition, said the event allows residents to maintain cultural ties while living in their new neighborhood. He noted that attendees have lived in the area for 10, 20, or 30 years, or are more recent arrivals. Burke stated that people from Tibet, Colombia, or Mexico use 34th Avenue to celebrate their specific holidays.
Violeta Morales, the coalition’s cultural coordinator, described the gathering as a method for teaching younger generations about Mexican heritage. She emphasized the importance of sharing culture in a diverse neighborhood. Morales said the event serves to teach children what is important to Mexican people.
The Día de Muertos gathering is one of several cultural celebrations the coalition holds annually. These events reflect the diversity of Jackson Heights and Queens as a whole. The coalition uses these gatherings to bring together different communities within the neighborhood.
