Believe it or not, Día de Muertos is really a celebration. Of life and love for the family. Mexicans have a very particular relationship with death. Day of the Dead is all about remembering their deceased, and welcoming them as they come back to visit.
Día de Muertos celebrations in Mexico and beyond
Día de Muertos celebrations are so rich in cultural traditions and significance, they’re an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Indeed, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO, declared it as such in 2008.
The Day of the Dead is so special, that it is becoming widespread. Originally from some regions in Mexico, it’s now popular in several Latin-American countries and U.S. states with large Mexican communities.
Día de Muertos celebrations in USA
Anywhere Mexicans go, there will be a Día de Muertos celebration. We’ve put together a list of celebration events across the U.S. We hope our dear customers and friends throughout Hispanic communities find it helpful as they prepare to celebrate. This year events will be both virtual and in person. And there will be special ceremonies to honor the recently departed due to Covid.- Los Angeles. As the home of one of the largest Mexican American communities in the country, LA hosts several events. Olvera Street Día de Muertos Festival is among the most popular. The other major celebration is LA Day of the Dead.
- San Antonio, also the home of a large Mexican population, has several events all over town. One of them is Muertos Fest, and also Día de Muertos River Walk Parade, with decorated float and barges with altars and catrinas.
- Día de los Muertos at MECA Houston is a two-day festival in Sixth Ward returns, packed with delicious foods, live music and dance performances, arts and crafts activities, a local vendor market, artists, ofrendas and more.
- The National Museum of Mexican Art is one of the top Latin museums in the nation. So, it’s no surprise that they house one of the largest Día de Muertos events. It’s called Día de Los Muertos Xicágo, taking place both inside the museum and in its surroundings. In this area, families are invited to make their own altars as they enjoy all the typical music and food.
- The Detroit Institute of Arts is presenting Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos. Exhibition of Ofrendas altars, in partnership with Detroit’s Mexican Consulate.
- Alburqueque, New Mexico. The South Valley Día de los Muertos Celebration and Marigold Parade, Muertos y Marigolds—is back this year. This is a smaller version, due to the pandemic, but just as colorful and fun. This festival lasts over a month and brings art, sugar skull and face painting, food, vendors, music, and more. This year, instead of the usual parade, there will be a large community ofrenda to honor lives lost to Covid.
- New Orleans’ Day of the Dead Procession is a solemn but beautiful event with bands, a gigantic puppet, and a parade. Attendants bring candles and pictures of their loved ones and place them at the altar.
- Día de Muertos Celebrations at Home. Create your own ofrenda and altar. Spend time with family, talk about your loved ones who’ve departed.
As a Mexican-American company, we are proud of our rich culture, and want to share it with our customers, followers and friends. May the love of family and the memories of your dearly departed be with you on this Día de Muertos!