The Edmonton Oilers announced on Tuesday that next Monday’s game against the New Jersey Devils will be their first celebration of Dia de los Muertos.

Dia de los Muertos, which translates to Day of the Dead, is an annual holiday celebrated in Mexico as well as by those of Mexican descent to pay respects and honour loved ones who have passed away. Traditions include honouring loved ones with Calaveras and marigold flowers, building home alters containing the favourite food and beverages of the departed, and visiting their graves with these items as gifts for the deceased.

The Oilers revealed in their press release that they plan to pay tribute to the holiday with various pageantries planned to be utilized in Monday’s game. Elements such as a local mariachi band performing at Rogers Place, an uptick in Latin music used in-game, specialized food, cocktails, and more will be present during the contest.

Dia de los Muertos logos, designed by Cristoval Castillon, will also be on display throughout the arena, including a specialized Oilers Dia de los Muertos jersey in the style of their Oil Worker jersey used in the late 90s.

“I’ve always wanted to bring a little bit of Mexican representation to the Oilers and with our Dia de los Muertos game, I found an opportunity to highlight aspects of the traditional holiday such as the calaca – the skeletal figure featured on the main crest of the Oilers Dia de los Muertos jersey – most popular in modern Day of the Dead costumes and decorations,” Castillon said in a press release about the design of the jersey and logos.

“The main crest is flanked on the left shoulder of the jersey by our friend Hunter the Lynx, who adorns a quetzal feathered headdress once worn by those in high power, along with their deities, within ancient Aztec civilization. The ‘Petroleros’ logo sits upon the right shoulder adorned with bright sunflowers and marigolds which are highly symbolic of Mexico.”

A first look at the Dia de los Muertos jersey will be revealed when they first go on sale this weekend. Merchandise from this event will be available for online purchase beginning on Saturday at 10 a.m. MST as well as a future auction by the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation.

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