Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a remembrance and celebration of the lives of loved ones who have passed. While the actual holiday falls on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2, there are many events leading up to it that encompass the holiday’s spirit.
The holiday started in the 16th century when Spaniards came to Mexico and blended their own beliefs and traditions with those of the Indigenous people. The festivities that are celebrated today combine the beliefs of the Aztecs and some from the Catholic Church.
In Aztec culture, people would host a festival dedicated to Mictecacihuatl, also known as “lady of the dead.” Aztecs believed Mictecacihuatl’s role was to guard the bones of those who had died and oversee the festivals of the dead.
The Catholic Church merged these celebrations with its own traditions – All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. All Saints’ Day is celebrated on Nov. 1, and honors the lives and legacy of saints, while All Souls’ Day is celebrated on Nov. 2, and celebrates the lives of people who were not saints or who, in Catholic belief, are in purgatory, a place where souls suffer before their final arrival in heaven.
The present-day Día de Los Muertos celebrates those who have lost their lives with colorful outfits, lively music and get-togethers, special outfits and other cultural traditions. While Day of the Dead is celebrated in most Latin American countries and Mexico, there are also many celebrations in the U.S.
Here is your guide for how to participate in the celebrations around Philly.
Throughout October: Bar Bombón photos
Visit the Latin American restaurant near Rittenhouse Square throughout the month of October and bring a framed photo of a family member, friend or loved one who has died. It will be displayed on a wall of the restaurant and you will receive a 10% discount off your dinner.
Thursday, Oct. 23: Day of the Dead sugar skull workshop
Join the Free Library of Philadelphia for this free, bilingual workshop where you will create sugar calaveras (skulls). In the workshop, participants will learn about Day of the Dead traditions and create their own sugar skulls to serve as decorations for the holidays for years to come. The workshop will also be presented in Spanish. Advanced registration is encouraged, as space is limited.
Saturday, Oct. 25: Day of the Dead Crafting Party/Fiestade manualidades del Dia de Muertos at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
Learn more about the Day of the Dead holiday and create a craft with Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. In this workshop, you will create a sugar skull and paper flowers to take home to make your own ofrenda, or altar. There will also be a Day of the Dead-themed scavenger hunt around the gardens. Instructions will be available in English and Spanish, and tickets will include entry for various timeslots – 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person, $20 for Philadelphia Magic Gardens members, and $20 per person when you buy three or more tickets.
Saturday, Oct. 25: Day of the Dead Celebration
Visit the FDR Park Boathouse from 5 to 8 p.m. to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos. Watch dance and musical performances, grab a drink or some food from local vendors, purchase homemade arts-and-crafts and view a stunning art installation.
In addition to this celebration, there will be several more events leading up to this, including a community art workshop on Wednesday, Oct. 22, and a salsa class and social dance on Friday, Oct. 24. More information on the event is available here.
Thursday, October 30 & Friday October 31: Rosa Mexicano Ardmore Día de Muertos Celebrations
Head over to Rosa Mexicano in Ardmore on Thursday, October 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. for a Costume & Cocktail Class! Guests are able to go behind the bar with mixologists to learn how to create new and signature cocktails and popular snacks. There will also be a costume contest with prizes. On Friday, October 31, return for an extended happy hour from 3 to 9 p.m. This will feature more special food and drinks, and another costume contest. Tickets for Friday’s class are $71.21 and can be found here.
Saturday, Nov. 1: Dia de los muertos at Fleisher memorial
Join the Fleisher Memorial for a Day of the Dead celebration on Nov. 1, from 2 to 9 p.m. More info to come.
Saturday, Nov. 1: Dia de los muertos bar crawl
Celebrate Day of the Dead with a themed bar crawl. This post-Halloween celebration will feature a party atmosphere, entry into multiple clubs and venues, free and themed drinks, and live music. Participants are encouraged to come dressed in Day of the Dead attire – like bold face paint and skull designs. Tickets start at $11.23.
Saturday, Nov 1: Culturefest! Dia de los Muertos at The Penn Museum
This full-day festival at the Penn Museum will feature arts-and-crafts, an artisan market, dances and performances, and an ofrenda installation. There will be food, drinks, photos, colorful clothes and more. The event is free with museum admission.
Sunday, November 2: Day of the Dead 9th Street Celebration
Head over to South 9th Street from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a free, family-friendly event led by the Association of Mexican Business Owners of Philadelphia. The center of the event will be a moving altar along Washington Avenue that will honor migrants who have passed in the United States. There will also be live music and DJs, dancers, face painting and Mexican food and drink vendors. The event is free to attend.
Sunday, November 2: Cantina la Martina Día de Los Muertos Celebration of Life
This Mexican restaurant will be hosting a Day of the Dead celebration from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. This will include specials on food and drinks, kids arts and crafts, performances, dancers and opportunities for guests to add framed photos to a community altar. The event is walk-in only, no reservations will be accepted.
Moshulu boat party dia de muertos
Looking to party the night away on Día de Los Muertos? The Moshulu boat has got you covered. The boat party, which starts at 10 p.m., will feature multiple bars and party decks, DJs, VIP tables and more. Tickets start at $12.51.
