There’s no denying South Africans know how to celebrate and when you throw in the flair of Mexico and Don Julio Tequila then winning is never in doubt. The Festival de México on 2 November brought the Day of the Dead or Día de los Muertos (try to say that slowly!) experience to life with SA stylist Obakeng Rantlhane styling the iconic ofrenda, an offering placed on a home later during the annual celebration.
Rantlhane used traditional and modern elements, combining vivid textiles, marigolds and symbolic decorative items to bring the day to life.
— With a giant ofrenda as a backdrop revelers celebrate Día de Muertos in Cape Town on Sat Nov. 2, 2024 in Cape Town. (Samantha Reinders/AP Content Services for Tequila Don Julio)
From high fashion to delish cocktails, Don Julio sure did pull out all the stops. Actress and Don Julio ambassador Linda Mtoba chatted to us about the event.
YourLuxury Africa: What was your favourite part of the festival?
Linda: The ofrenda was an absolute showstopper! A vibrant celebration of Mexican culture with beautiful South African touches, it was truly breathtaking. What a beautiful way to celebrate and pay tribute to our loved ones who are no longer with us.
YLA: What inspired your outfit?
Linda: It’s funny you ask me that, I was inspired by the red salsa emoji and decided to bring her to life to really embody the holiday. Colour is a huge part of Mexican and South African culture so I decided to pay homage to both these cultures in a very tongue-in-cheek manner.
YLA: Was there a particular cocktail/mix that you enjoyed?
Linda: It’s no secret that I love a good margarita and the Don Margarita is hands down my favourite cocktail. But recently I have been re-introduced the Don Julio Tequila Sunrise and it’s quickly making its way to the top of my list. So good!
We caught up with Don Julio SA’s brand manager, Theo Zulu, to get the inside scoop on tequila consumption at the festival!
YLA: Honestly, wow much Don Julio was consumed at the festival?
Theo: Let’s be frank—Don Julio is liquid gold, and definitely came alive at the festival in the most authentic and classic style synonymous with the brand and its deep-rooted heritage. People were toasting and having an epic moment in the true spirit of “Por Amor,” which is a good sign, safe to say Don Julio got the memo that celebrations are underway and responsible drinking was the hallmark of the festivities.
YLA: Right, so a lot. Why is the partnership between Don Julio and the festival so important?
Theo: Festival De Mexico highlights Mexican cuisine, art and culture it was only befitting that we join forces to bring Mexico to South Africa in the most authentic manner possible. It was also important for us to educate South Africans about Mexican culture and further entrench the brand’s authenticity to its heritage.
YLA: Personally, was there a highlight from the festival that you enjoyed most?
Theo: Definitely DJ Kent, he has really stood the test of time and has really managed to stay on the pulse, like Don Julio. The younger me was very excited to go down memory lane and realise that life is a beautiful kaleidoscope of memories that make us who we are.
Cheers!
