Millions of people across Mexico and beyond celebrate the lives of their loved ones with ofrendas, calaveras, poetry and colorful face paint.
Da de Muertos is a holiday that originated in Aztec and other pre-Hispanic cultures. The ancient peoples celebrated their dead in the summer. The timing of these celebrations was changed to November 1st and 2nd due to the Catholic beliefs of colonizers in the new world.
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Large celebrations like parades and block-parties bring Mexican-Americans closer together in certain cities. There are a lot of authentic celebrations in the country.
Los Angeles is home to a large Mexican diaspora. Olvera Street has hosted many events over the past 30 years. People can have their faces painted and community altars are displayed.
LA Day of the Dead takes place at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. In its 23 years, the events include cultural performances, rituals, a cathedral art exhibit, live music, and a children's plaza. The goddess of fertility is Mayahuel.
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One of the top Latinx museums in the country is in Chicago, and they also host one of the largest Da celebrations. Da de Los Muertos Xicgo takes place both in the museum and in the surrounding outdoor areas.
Da de Muertos - Memories & Offerings is the museum's 36th annual Da exhibition and pays tribute to those lost to Communism and other tragedies. Families are invited to attend and create their own altars as well as enjoy live performances and delicious pan de muerto.
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The annual Muertos Fest is held in San Antonio, which has a vibrant Mexican influence. This year's 10th grand celebration features altars, cultural workshops, mariachis, dance performances, live poetry, and an incredible procession on both days. You can add a lot of Mexican art and food vendors.
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When Da is celebrated in San Francisco, the Mission District is where to be. The Festival of Altars is held in Garfield Park. Attendees bring candles, flowers, and photos to leave at the communal altar, or they can make their own. The live stream of this year's event will take place on November 2nd.
The Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts is home to the Day of the Dead event. There are installations dedicated to the holiday that can be seen throughout October and the main festivities take place on November 2.
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It's no wonder that South Florida is home to one of the most riveting Da events yet. The Florida Day of Dead in Fort Lauderdale is known for its amazing skeleton processional, which consists of mariachis and massive skeleton puppets. They have a street festival with a folklrico stage, food trucks, and street performers, as well as ofrendas.
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New Mexico's South Valley has the largest Da celebration in the country. Usually it begins with workshops, a parade, delicious food, and arts and crafts before the big day. There are updates on the Facebook page. The entire city of Albuquerque has a full month of activities dedicated to the holiday.
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The Mexic-Arte Museum puts on a grand Da de Muertos event called the Viva La Vida Festival, which typically draws thousands of attendees with a grand procession. The festival starts at noon and runs until 6pm.
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The Sherman Heights Da de Los Muertos is one of the many Da events in San Diego in October and November.
Old Town's Da de los Muertos is the most talked about event. The event is held at the town's mercado, where people can tour more than 40 altars, take part in costume contests, walk in a candlelight procession, eat and drink, and honor the departed. You can get a map of the altars. October 29 and 30 are the days when the main events take place.
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The New York City Day of the Dead Festival is one of the largest Da celebrations in the country. There is a communal altar where guests can bring in photos and other offerings related to their dead loved ones. A specific Mexican region is the focus of the other giant ofrenda.
Mano a Mano is a local organization that celebrates Mexican culture. It's usually open to the general public, but recent events are limited, with festivities usually centered on St. Mark's Church in the Bowery Papel picado, sugar skulls, and pan de muerto are some of the must haves at the marketplace.
There is a kid-friendly celebration at the Brooklyn Children's Museum.
The article was published in August of 2019.
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