At Casa 0101: Nov. 6 – 8th at Casa 0101
Every altar begins with a story. And every story deserves to be remembered.
Behind every photograph, marigold, candle and offering is a life that once touched another, a memory waiting to be revisited, and a story that deserves to be told.
That is the inspiration behind ‘CUENTOS: Every Altar Begins with a Story,’ a contemporary dance-theatre production presented by Colibrí Dance Theatre, arriving at Casa 0101 in Boyle Heights November 6–8, 2026.
Inspired by the traditions and symbolism of Día de los Muertos, CUENTOS takes audiences beyond the familiar visual elements of the holiday to explore the deeply personal stories that give meaning to the altars we build in remembrance of those who came before us.
Through movement, music and poetry, the production transforms the traditional Día de los Muertos altar into a living landscape of memories, emotions and experiences. At the center of this journey is La Catrina, the Keeper of Stories, who guides audiences into a world where memories are awakened and the stories of those who have passed are brought to life.
Joining her are El Catrín, the Keeper of Celebration; the Alebrije, serving as a spiritual guide; and the Calacas, who embody and animate the cuentos that unfold throughout the performance.
Each story reflects the complexity of the human experience, reminding us that remembrance is not simply about looking back, but about recognizing how the lives of those who came before us continue to shape who we are.
What makes CUENTOS particularly meaningful is its exploration of the stories that often remain unspoken. Beyond the celebration, the costumes and the colorful imagery associated with Día de los Muertos are experiences of loss, sacrifice, family bonds, cultural identity and forgiveness. The production creates space for those emotions while celebrating the power of storytelling as a way of preserving memory and passing traditions from one generation to the next.
For Colibrí Dance Theatre, the production is also an extension of its mission to educate, preserve and honor cultural traditions through movement.
Based in East Los Angeles, Colibrí Dance Theatre, founded by Laurie Muniz-Jaimes, is a modern and contemporary dance company that uses the language of dance to connect communities with their cultural heritage. Its work brings traditional influences into contemporary performance.
In CUENTOS an altar is never just an arrangement of photographs, flowers and candles. It is a testament to a life, an expression of love and a bridge between the past and present.
As Día de Muertos reminds us, those we remember are never entirely gone as long as their stories continue to be told.
‘CUENTOS: Every Altar Begins with a Story’ runs November 6–8, 2026, at Casa 0101, 2102 First Street, Boyle Heights, Los Angeles. Evening and afternoon performances are scheduled.
For tickets and additional information, visit CUENTOS at Casa 0101.
Follow Colibrí Dance Theatre on Instagram for company updates.