07 November 2015 (gig)
22 November 2015
The brainchild of Tommi Miers Wahaca’s Day of the Dead was designed to bring the joyous spirit of Mexico to London’s Tobacco Dock in a traditional celebration of the living and the dead.
With a Mexican street market, cocktail bars and Wahaca’s own brand of delightful cuisine the festival is a jubilant nod to Mexican culture and cuisine. It also has a principled stance supporting the charity Periodistas de a Pie (Journalists on the Ground), which works to defend the rights of journalists and protect freedom of expression in Mexico. Down on the Floor of Remembrance was a moving tribute to 159 journalists killed for ‘speaking out’. We spotted Jeremy Corbyn paying his respects.
The Mexican wrestling ring was an inspired addition. There is something strangely enticing about watching random strangers wrestling for a sock and becoming part of a baying crowd whilst drinking Mexican beer. I spent far too much time there!
Music was the main draw with Savages playing an exhilarating set. Vocalist Jehnny Beth reminiscent of a young androgynous Brett Anderson, lightning sharp and fully energized ruling the stage wearing an open black jacket and bandeau bra. “This songs for all of you to take home, it's called ‘Fuckers’ she spat. A band really starting to turn heads with their own brand of hard edged punk rock.
If you're looking for a new take on a quintessentially British band then look no further than Mexrrissey. A stunning conglomerate of award winning musicians united in their love of all things Morrissey. I was expecting a tongue-in-cheek light-hearted show but found serious professional musicians whose take on The Smiths and Morrissey was both moving and uplifting breathing new life into classic songs.
Crystal Fighters also vowed the crowd with their electronic folk infused with Latin beats making them a delight to watch.
Fuelled by fun, frolics and fantasy Wahaca’s Day of the Dead had something for everyone. Educational talks, art, delicious food, cocktails, face painting and kick arse music Tobacco Dock exploded in colour for one night of Mexican merrymaking. A definite date in next years diary.
