20th Annual Día de Muertos | Day of the Dead

Celebrate our 20th annual Day of the Dead, a beloved tradition in New York City, with art-making, live music, and more.

Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) is a time to honor and revere our deceased family members and ancestors. This 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 with the dead.

Join us and dedicate our ofrenda (altar) to your departed loved ones by bringing copies of photographs, notes, and letters to be part of the ofrenda (altar) and honor them throughout the celebration.

11- 5 pm - Marketplace Experience the vibrant colors and unique designs of traditional Mexican folk art, and indulge in delicious Mexican food, all available for purchase.

11- 1 pm - Ofrenda building

Join us for the traditional Ofrenda building, a tribute to loved ones who have passed away, created by Danny Tepi in collaboration with Andrea Arroyo and Aurelio del Muro.

1 pm - Naming the Lost Memorials

Join us for the activation ceremony, where we will honor and remember our loved ones who lost their lives to Covid-19.

1-4 pm - Workshops

Create paper flowers, embellish your Día de Muertos button, and do other crafting activities.

4 pm - Marilyn Castillo

Marilyn Castillo is a rising star in New York's Latin alternative music scene, captivating audiences with her emotive singing style and interpretations.

Live Music • Mexican Folk Art Market • Mexican food

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 muerto 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.

Learn more about the history of the Day of the Dead.

Downloads

• Pan de Muerto Bread Recipe
• Sugar Skull Recipe
• Color Sugar Skulls

Thank you to our Supporters and Partners

Funding for the Day of the Dead is provided, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Mex-Am Cultural Foundation Inc., the Mellon Foundation, and the CUNY Mexican Studies Institute.

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Additional support is provided by our partners Copalli Mexican Folk Art, Creatives Rebuild New York, Naming the Lost Memorials, CityLore, Great Small Works, and St. Mark's Church in-the-Bowery.

​The image above courtesy of Ed Lefkowicz