Camila Cabello landed on the Billboard Hot 100 with “First Man,” a song dedicated to her father Alejandro, who broke down in tears when she wowed the Grammys with a live performance in 2020. Next week, she’ll turn her attention to her grandmother, Mercedes, when she takes the stage at Carlos Eric Lopez’s fifth annual Día de Muertos Gala in Los Angeles.
Set to take place at a private location on Oct. 30, the event celebrates culture, family and community by honoring “trailblazers who have paved the way for the recent surge in global recognition of Mexican and Latino American artistic contributions.” As such, Cabello will present the Abuelita Award to her author grandmother “as an acknowledgement for the role she’s played in Camila’s life and her appreciation of her Latino heritage.”
Cabello won’t be the only star to take the stage that night. Mexican-American singer-songwriter DannyLux will perform a set that will include “Ya No Estás” to honor the spirit of remembrance. The Día de Muertos Gala will also recognize Lucky Athletes founder Jesus Perez for championing Latino youth through sports like he does regularly through a partnership with the Mar Vista Family Center.
The gala is presented by Lopez, a Mexican-American photographer, entrepreneur, influencer and Hollywood insider as a way to shine a light on Latino culture in celebration of the traditional holiday. Latino artists, tastemakers, business leaders, community organizers and celebrities have been supporting the event since its inception. Eva Longoria last year received a Life & Legacy Award, while guests over the years have included Gael García Bernal, Jessica Alba, Miguel, Willy Chavarria, Vanessa Bryant, Diego Boneta, Kelly Sawyer Patricof, Nicole Richie, Juanpa Zurita, Jen Atkin, Stephanie Suganami, Michael Cimino, Xochitl Gomez, Xolo Maridueña, Lele Pons, Desi Perkins, Aimee Song, Jamie Mizrahi and others.
On Oct. 30, Lopez will officially unveil TúTomorrow, a nonprofit he founded to “empower the next generation of Latino creatives and entrepreneurs.” At the gala, in partnership with the Hispanic Federation, a series of student grants will be doled out to Los Angeles based college students to help them with their creative pursuits.
“During this time, I am humbled to bring our Latino communities together to share their stories and support one another on this sacred holiday. We are stronger together,” offered Lopez, founder of Cura Lita. “We are honored to recognize Mercedes Rodriguez with this year’s Abuelita Award. Our grandmothers are the heart of our families, the storytellers, the caretakers and the keepers of our traditions.”
This year’s Día de Muertos Gala is being presented by Lexus. Tequila Don Julio is on board to fuel cocktails while supporting sponsors include Nike; DNERO, a digital banking app for the Latino community; Calamigos Ranch, providing signature wine; and Maremoto. CAA Latino serves as the agency partner. For the event, Tequila Don Julio will link up with Panadería Rosetta of Mexico City and will pop-up at the event to serve up pan de muerto paired with signature cocktails.