Inaugural Tequila Festival Added to Day of the Dead Festivities

The fourth-annual South Florida Day of the Dead Celebration will be raising more than just a few dead spirits this year as part of its festivities.

Welcome the inaugural South Florida Tequila Festival, set to take place on Saturday, November 1. A newcomer to the weekend-long Day of the Dead celebration, 3J Hospitality will transform Fort Lauderdale's Stache 1920's Drinking Den into a tequila-tasting extravaganza for the evening.

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The South Florida Tequila Festival is the only event of its kind in the Eastern United States, according to its creators. The event aims to educate the community about the history and importance of tequila. The festival will highlight more than 15 brands of tequila as well as the culture, arts, and traditions of the Mexican peninsula, including Mexican food and the mariachi band.

"This is really going to be an opportunity for people to learn about tequila and taste through each type," said Elizabeth Furiati, marketing director for 3J Hospitality. "It's a learning experience as well as a celebration."

More than 15 premium brands have already committed to the event, including Don Julio, Casamigos, El Tesoro/HornitosBeam, Avion, Partida, Espolon, Patron Roca, Blue Nectar, Kah, Herradura, Milagro, Maestro Dobel, Jose Cuervo, ArteNom, and Cimarron, with more to come.

The event will feature several competitions, including "best" tequila, "best" cocktail, and a people's choice award. The top three cocktails will be served later that evening in Stache.

Now in its fifth year, the annual South Florida Day of the Dead celebration has expanded to become a two-day festival honoring Mexican traditions and local culture. It will take place the first weekend of November, beginning Saturday, November 1. The free festival encompasses several locations, including the Revolution Live entertainment complex, Riverwalk, and various venues throughout downtown Fort Lauderdale. Visit the event's official website at dayofthedeadflorida.com.

The ticketed South Florida Tequila Festival is part of the Day of the Dead celebration and will take place from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, November 1. General-admission tickets cost $30 and allow unlimited spirit and food tastings. There are also a limited amount of VIP tickets available for $60, which give ticket holders priority access at 6:30 p.m. and access to a special exclusive tasting menu. Tickets are available at Stache, the Revolution Live box office, ticketmaster.com, and all TicketMaster outlets. Visit southlforidatequilafestival.com.

Nicole Danna is a food blogger covering Broward and Palm Beach counties. To get the latest in food and drink news in South Florida, follow her @SoFloNicole or find her latest food pics on Clean Plate's Instagram.