La Catrina shared the stage with Las Cafeteras honoring el Día de Muertos and the current immigration situation

On Saturday night, a homage to life and death by the East L.A. band Las Cafeteras at the Ford theater celebrated the Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) while provoking a sentiment of empathy and understanding of the current immigration situation. 

The event “Hasta la Muerte” was an ensemble extravaganza of music, and storytelling through dances, poetry and theater, which included some of the most popular songs of all times such as “La Llorona” and “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” as well as La Cafeteras’ original work with “Todo va a estar bien” and “Ya me voy."

The  band is known for remixing roots music as modern day troubadours. Their repertoire includes Afro-Mexican rhythms, electronic beats and powerful rhymes that document stories of the communities they represent. 

The two-act performance followed La Catrina on her journey through folkloric legends and contemporary stories, exploring themes of life, death, resilience and love.

 She showed that life is a journey that doesn’t stop with the end of life, but continues beyond that.

 The event was part of the Hispanic Heritage Month presentations at The Ford Theater in Hollywood in an effort to show the richness of Latin culture. 

“To know who you are you need to know who you were,” said band member Hector Flores. “We sing our songs, we share our traditions. We pass the recipe.”

Advocating for the immigrant community 

During the second act there was a compilation of news videos showcasing the harsh reality that immigrants face in their journey to the United States. From South Americans risking their lives crossing the jungle on their quest to the north to the many immigrants from many nations who have died in the process.

There were also images of the massive raids on the streets and deportations without due process. 

The fear and sorrow of the people as well as the hope that “todo va a estar bien” (everything will be all right) was a message that sounded loud and clear during the performance.

However, it was the classic song by Richie Valens that got everyone up from their seats to dance – “La Bamba” – with a special updated touch by Las Cafeteras. 

Las Cafeteras will continue their “Hasta la Muerte” tour in celebration of the Día de Muertos in the West Coast. For more information you can visit their Instagram page.