Drag, DJs, Aerial, and Sword Dancing: Día de los Muertos vs Halloween at 4 Willow
This photo essay by Jahtiek Long captures a night where Staten Island’s underground art scene came alive in celebration of Día de los Muertos and Halloween. Blending drag, aerial artistry, Sword dancing, and DJ sets, the event Días de los Muertos vs. Halloween transformed 4 Willow into a space of vibrant expression, honoring both tradition and individuality. Curated by Nazz Raidence and Forest the Monarch, the night stood as a reminder of how Staten Island continues to carve out its own spaces for art, performance, and community connection.
This past weekend was Halloween and Día de los Muertos, and there were events happening all over Staten Island. On Halloween night, there was a really cool party at Boots, a new spot that recently opened inside the old Cargo Café. Then on Saturday, Mother Pug’s hosted their annual Halloween Show. But on November 1st, I found myself at 4 Willow with my camera — and boy, am I grateful I did.
Nazz Raidence and Forest the Monarch put together a show called Días de los Muertos vs. Halloween, featuring an incredible mix of drag, sword dancing, aerial performances, and two amazing DJ sets. It’s great to see this kind of event happening on Staten Island, spaces where creativity, culture, and community all collide.
Here are some of the photos I captured from the night:
Here are all the Instagrams of all the performers. Make sure you follow them!
The Full lineup for the event:
Performances by
Drag Performances
@reinanobuena
@frankie.fingahs
@hotmessiah
Aerial Performance
@living_deadgirrl
Sword Daning Performance
@obsidian_absurd
With DJ Sets by
@channelsandwinds
@d3signer.dr3ams
@djmac_rascal
Presented by
@channelsandwinds
@forestthemonarch
Venue
@4willow _nyc
To see more of my photography and ongoing projects, follow me on Instagram at
@JahtiekLong
Jahtiek Long is an interdisciplinary artist, musician, community organizer, and co-founder of the Shaolin Art Party. He loves photographing the island and playing the ukulele. Jahtiek is passionate about shifting the narrative surrounding Staten Island and showcasing the vibrancy of the borough. He’s also really excited about all the new Ramen spots popping up. @Jahtieklong