Awards & Recognition
for Día de los Muertos Atlantic
Día de los Muertos Atlantic began as a one-day celebration in Saint John in 2022. Since then, it has grown into a multi-day festival built around art, culture, community and meaningful cultural exchange.
Along the way, both the festival and its founder and director, Fabiola Martinez, have been recognized for the work behind that growth.
These awards belong to a much bigger story. They reflect the artists, cultural practitioners, volunteers, community partners and participants who continue to help Día de los Muertos Atlantic grow while keeping the meaning and traditions behind the celebration at its centre.
2026 Event Atlantic Excellence Award
Event of the Year: Under $100,000
Día de los Muertos Atlantic was named 2026 Event of the Year in the Under $100,000 category at the Event Atlantic Excellence Awards.
What began as a one-day event has grown into a 15-day festival across multiple venues, welcoming more than 6,000 participants. Community partnerships have grown from five organizations to more than 30, and the 2025 festival brought together more than 56 artists and cultural practitioners with the support of approximately 300 volunteers.
One of the festival’s most significant moments was a collaboration between Grupo Aztlán from México and the Menahqesk Wabanaki Powwow, bringing Mexican and Indigenous ceremonial traditions together through cultural exchange.
The award also recognized the festival’s approach to accessibility and sustainability, with a mix of free and ticketed programming that allows more families and
2026 Faces of Fusion
Arts & Culture Achievement Award
Fabiola Martinez, founder and director of Día de los Muertos Atlantic, received the 2026 Faces of Fusion Arts & Culture Achievement Award.
Presented through Fusion Saint John, the Arts & Culture Achievement category recognizes people making a meaningful contribution to the cultural life of the Saint John region. Fabiola was recognized for her work as an artist and cultural leader and for building Día de los Muertos Atlantic into a celebration that creates connections between cultures, artists and communities. Fusion Saint John publicly named Fabiola as one of the three finalists in this category before the awards event.
Through the festival, Mexican traditions are shared and celebrated while creating opportunities for collaboration here in New Brunswick and with artists and cultural organizations in México.
The Story Behind the Recognition
Watch the Faces of Fusion video to learn more about Fabiola, the work behind Día de los Muertos Atlantic and the community that has helped the festival grow.
Built by a Community
Recognition may carry one person’s name or the name of the festival, but Día de los Muertos Atlantic has always been created by many people.
Artists and cultural practitioners share their work. Volunteers give their time. Organizations, sponsors and community partners help make the programming possible. Thousands of people come together to participate, learn, remember and celebrate.
These awards recognize what that community has built together.
