Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a tradition celebrated in Mexico on the 1st and 2nd of each November. It is a joyful time that helps people remember the deceased and honor their memory.  

To honor their deceased loved ones, people build altars in their homes for Día de los Muertos. At these altars:

• Orange and yellow flowers, especially marigolds, provide decoration. 
• People leave ofrendas, offerings to their loved ones’ souls. These include tamales, chilis, water, tequila, and pan de muerto, a special bread. 
• Candles illuminate photos and mementos of the deceased. 
• Families read letters and poems and tell stories and jokes about the dead. 

Día de los Muertos began hundreds of years ago in Mexico and northern Central America. It is a blend of Aztec, Mayan, Toltec, and Catholic traditions. Now, people celebrate the event in many parts of the world.

Experience the Day of the Dead at one of these free local events:  

Celebración de Día de Muertos or Day of the Dead Celebration 

October 13, 2023
5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
LOVE Park–1501 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, 19102.
Presented by Parks & Rec, the Mexican Cultural Center, and the Consulate of Mexico in Philadelphia.

Kick-off Day of the Dead in LOVE Park with: 

• An altar created by Mexican artist José Martín Anguiano Hermosillo. 
• Watch a performance by “Canpatlaneci Danza Azteca del Anahuac” and a folk dance by “Ñuuxakun” by teacher Andrea García.   
• The altar will be on display until Friday, November 3, 2023.

Gran Fiesta De Los Muertos: Day of the Dead Celebration & Workshop 

October 21, 2023
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
FDR Park Boathouse–1500 Pattison Avenue, 19145.
Presented by Fairmount Park Conservancy and Cesar Viveros.

Come learn about the traditions and artistic practices of Mexico’s Día de los Muertos. Enjoy a performance by a Mexican dance group. Attend a special sugar skull-making workshop. Watch an altar-building demonstration led by artist Cesar Viveros. Taste Mexican food including hot ponche and a pot of pozole. Enjoy Mexican dancing, DJ music, and illuminated bikes, too! Learn more on Fairmount Park Conservancy’s website. 

Day of the Dead Bike Ride

October 28, 2023
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Meet at Indigo Bike Station–1084 Washington Avenue, 19147.
Presented the Mexican Cultural Center in partnership with Indego and the Better Bike Share Partnership (BBSP).

Enjoy a 3.5 mile bike ride led by the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. Participants are encouraged to dress up as catrinas or calaveras. Learn more and register.