
Remember Me: Celebrating All Souls Day or Dia De Muertos
November 1st and 2nd are part of the Dia De Muertos Celebrations, also known as “All Soul’s Day,” to commemorate and celebrate the lives of family members and friends who have passed away. This two day festival is most notably celebrated in Mexico, but it’s also celebrated across Central and South American countries, as well as places such as Los Angeles, California with large Latinx communities.
This joyful festival is marked by parades, musical performances, and colourful decorations such as intricate paper banners, calaveras and calacas, and bright floral arrangements centering Marigolds and other bright blossoms. Music and noisemakers are an integral part of the joyful celebration; they’re meant to help wake the dead, in hopes of enticing them to join the party, and to keep close by to their loved ones! Celebrations also include more formal remembrance in the form of an “Altar de muertos” also known as an ofrenda, an altar containing personal effects, photographs, and memories celebrating their rich and storied lives. Most people include friends and family members, but some may include celebrities that had a positive influence on their lives.
This holiday originated in Aztec tradition and rituals honoring the dead, but similar remembrance rituals are observed on All Saint’s Day/All Souls day by Christian/Catholic individuals, too! But it’s clear to see that no matter where you live, or what cultural traditions you observe, the sentiments are the same: it is a time to celebrate the harmony of life and death and the beauty and love within both.
We’re excited to celebrate with great local area restaurants and beautiful places to visit and events to highlight Latin American cultures. Check out our picks for local events, establishments, and even recipes to try at home!
Celebrate Dia De Muertos in the Community
-
Today, November 2nd, Coche Comedor is hosting a special Dia De Los Muertos menu from 5PM to 9:45PM
-
November 2nd, KB Artist Group is hosting a Day of the Dead Gala from 7PM to 11PM. Tickets are available for $120 including dinner, a drink, and gratuity. A DJ, mariachi band, special presentation, and other activities will be enjoyed by all who attend!
-
On November 3rd from 8PM to 9:30PM, Parklife Outdoor Cinema in Brooklyn is showing a family friendly screening of “Disney’s Coco” - Free to attend but registration encouraged.
-
Con Edison Family Day is hosting Dia de los Muertos on Saturday November 13th from 1PM to 3PM at the Morris-Jumel Mansion. Feel free to bring a family member’s photograph for the group’s ofrenda to pay remembrance to their life, and get ready to enjoy a lively afternoon of crafting and creativity in their honor.
-
On Sunday November 21st, the Patchogue Theatre in Patchogue is hosting Sugar Skull! A Dia de los Muertos Musical from 3PM to 4PM.
Celebrating Hispanic and Latin American Culture in NY Metro Region
Local Mexican Eateries to Try in the Long Island Area
Dia De Muertos Recipes To Make At Home
Hosting your own celebration at home? Try one of these great traditional recipes to include in your festivities.