Nov. 1 is not simply the day after Halloween. The date marks the beginning of Día de los Muertos, a multiday holiday honoring and remembering loved ones who have passed away.
Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, has mixed origins. It began with the indigenous people living in what is now Mexico, who had a traditional belief in an afterlife and thought their loved ones could return to Earth for a short time. The ninth month of the Aztec calendar celebrated Mictecacihuatl, the goddess of the dead who took care of their bones.
In Catholic tradition, All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day fall on Nov. 1 and 2. All Saints’ Day honors the legacy of the saints, and All Souls’ Day calls members of the Catholic Church to pray for people in purgatory or celebrate the lives of holy people who are not saints.
Historians believe contact between colonial explorers from Spain and Native communities in Mexico led to a cultural fusion that created the Day of the Dead. The holiday is celebrated in much of Latin America.
In honor of Philly’s Mexican community, which is estimated at more than 15,000 people, here is a roundup of events for people of all ages to celebrate Día de los Muertos.
Día de los Muertos “Coco” Movie Night
What: The Independence Visitor Center and The Consulate of Mexico in Philadelphia are hosting a free movie night for guests to watch the 2017 Disney movie “Coco.” The animated film is about a boy named Miguel whose family banned music because his great-grandmother Coco never saw her musician father. Miguel seeks to connect with Mama Coco’s father, but gets lost in the Land of the Dead.
When: Friday, Nov. 1, at 6 p.m.
Where: Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market St.
Gran Fiesta de los Muertos
What: The Fairmount Park Conservancy and artist Cesar Viveros are hosting a Day of the Dead celebration at FDR Park. The event features live performances, local food vendors, and a market for handcrafted gifts. Viveros is also making a large art installation that will be available Nov. 1-4. The event is free, but donations will be accepted.
When: Friday, Nov. 1, 6 – 9 p.m.
Where: FDR Park Boathouse
12th Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration at Fleisher Art Memorial
What: The Fleisher Art Memorial is hosting its 12th Día de los Muertos celebration on Nov. 2. The celebration will start with a children’s fair in Fleisher’s parking lot and a procession at the Sanctuary with the Champion Lowriders. Other attractions include an artisan market, live performances by bands and dance groups, and two food trucks offering Mexican and Peruvian cuisine. On Nov. 9, Fleisher and Cineclub El Conejo del Faro will screen a horror movie, “The Skeleton of Mrs. Morales.”
When: Saturday, Nov. 2, 2 – 9 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 9, 6 p.m.
Where: Fleisher Art Memorial, 719 Catharine St.
Día de Los Muertos Ofrenda Ceremony & Meditation with A LoveThing Healing Arts
What: Reiki teacher Danica Arizola invites people to meditate on the value of life and build an altar for their family and friends. Participants will have an opportunity to talk about someone they lost. They must bring something to represent their loved ones and journals for the reflection exercise. Tickets cost $40, and guests can consume sugar skulls and other refreshments.
When: Saturday, Nov. 2, 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Where: Back to Life Urban Sanctuary, 171 W Thompson Street
Día de Los Muertos Ceremony and DIY Picture Frames
What: This Día de los Muertos event mixes the tradition of honoring the dead with spiritual wellness. Sharimar Guzman, Imani Hazelton, and Jasmine Sierra will host a guided meditation and sound healing session. Tickets cost $40 to cover materials for DIY picture frames. Guests are encouraged to bring pictures of loved ones for the DIY project and other offerings for the group altar.
When: Saturday, Nov. 2, 7 – 11 p.m.
Where: 3245 Amber St.
Día de Los Muertos Collective Altar
What: Latino Outdoors is building a community altar to honor the Philly Latino community’s deceased loved ones. There will be live music and food available for guests. People are also encouraged to bring flowers, photos, and other items in memory of their loved ones. The event is free, but tickets are limited.
When: Saturday, Nov. 9, 5 – 8 p.m.
Where: Cesar Andreú Iglesias Community Garden, 424 W Norris St.
