Day of the Dead
October 2024
St. Mark's Church in-the-Bowery
131 E 10th St, New York, NY 10003
Celebrating 20 years of the Day of the Dead
Join Mano a Mano: Mexican Culture Without Borders in New York City to celebrate our beloved Day of the Dead with various activities, including art-making, live music, and a craft market. Día de Muertos is a special time to honor and revere our ancestors and family members who have passed away. This tradition originates from native Mexican beliefs, emphasizing the significance of maintaining a strong connection with the deceased, as life on earth is a preparation for the next world.
It is a time to remember their memories and cherish the moments that we shared with them. Join us in creating a beautiful Ofrenda (Altar) where we can dedicate photographs (copies), letters, notes, and names to those who have departed. Immerse yourself in various activities, including art-making and live music, as we celebrate the lives of those who have left us and the community their presence has touched.
The Mano a Mano's Day of the Dead at St. Mark's is outdoors, rain or shine. The scheduled activities are subject to change or cancellation if there are strong wind gusts, hail, or snow. For updates during the event, follow us on X at @MexCulture.
Since 2005, we have celebrated the Day of the Dead in the East Yard of the historic St. Mark's Church in the Bowery.
Ofrenda 2021 Picture by Mari Uchida
Sugar skulls traditionally bear a person's name on the forehead. Picture by Nicky Conti
The bread of the dead or pan de muerto.
Ofrenda 2021 Picture by Mari Uchida
Our past Day of the Dead celebrations.
About the Day of the Dead
Day of the Dead has been one of Mexico’s most important festivals since pre-Hispanic times. It is a time for families to gather and welcome the souls of the dead on their annual visit home. Cempasúchil (marigold) flowers, burning copal incense, fresh pan de muertos bread, candles, sugar skulls, photographs, and mementos of the departed adorn special altars. In Mexico, the Day of the Dead is celebrated over an entire week with the preparation of altars, foods, dance, music, and special offerings for people who have died. Mano a Mano recreates the magical space of a village churchyard during the celebration and has organized a series of events, including altar building, workshops, dance, poetry, and music.
The holiday is Día de Muertos in Spanish or Day of the Dead.
In Mexico, the celebration is known as Día de Muertos. However, in the U.S. and other English-speaking countries, it is often referred to as Día de los Muertos, a back-translation of 'Day of the Dead' into Spanish. Our organization proudly maintains the traditional name Día de Muertos, which reflects our commitment to honor and preserve our authentic cultural heritage.
Learn more about the history of the Day of the Dead and find answers to some frequently asked questions.
© 2020 Nicky Conti