Día de Muertos Ofrenda

Nov 1 - 2, 2025

Flatiron North Plaza

23rd & Broadway

New York, NY 10010

Altar Viewing Hours: 11 AM – 7 PM

​

Join Flatiron and NoMad to celebrate Día de Muertos! Visit the two-day altar at the Flatiron North Plaza, designed by Mano a Mano: Mexican Culture Without Borders.

​​​

Día de Muertos has been an important celebration in Mexico since pre-Hispanic times. The Mexica (Aztecs) memorialized their dead for two months in the summer: Miccailhuitontli (for children) and Hueymicailhuitl (for adults). Spaniards introduced the Catholic calendar and moved the practice of honoring the dead to All Souls Day, celebrated on November 2nd.

 

The tradition is rooted in the native Mexican belief that life on earth is a preparation for the next world and of the importance of maintaining a strong relationship to the dead. During this celebration, families gather in the cemetery to welcome the souls on their annual visit home. People prepare altars with traditional ephemeral elements for the season, such as cempasúchil (marigold) flowers, copal incense, fresh pan de muerto bread, candles, papel picado, and calaveras (sugar skulls). Photographs, mementos, and favorite items used by the departed are included.

 

The Ofrenda will feature traditional elements made in New York and Mexico, representing three iconic regions of Mexico: Guerrero, Puebla, and Oaxaca. The altar showcases polychrome candle holders from Puebla, with intricate and colorful designs highlighting the region’s artistic craftsmanship. To represent Guerrero and Oaxaca, the ofrenda features beautifully arranged cornhusk flowers, which represent Guerrero’s agricultural heritage and natural beauty, alongside handmade flaked wax candles representing Oaxaca, crafted using traditional techniques. These items—the cornhusks and wax candles—were crafted in New York by the staff of Mano a Mano, emphasizing the artistic exchange and the preservation of Mexican culture.

​

​

Learn more about Flatiron Nomad Día de Muertos.

​