Join El Museo del Barrio for a vibrant and immersive celebration of Día de los Muertos! Experience a day filled with cultural performances, art-making workshops, and the chance to honor loved ones. Activities begin with a procession in Central Park and continue at El Museo, concluding with a performance by the Calpulli Mexican Dance Company in El Teatro.
This is a free event. RSVP here.
Dress for the Weather: Some activities will be outdoors.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:
- 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM – Procession by Atl Tlachinolli from El Museo del Barrio to Central Park and danzas near the Harlem Meer (Meet at El Museo)
- 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM – Communal altar, Mictlán by artist Cinthya Briones opens at El Cafe. This altar highlights the Mesoamerican understanding of life and death, a duality central to pre-Hispanic thought
- 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM – Traditional face painting inspired by vibrant calaveras (skulls) and Catrina designs are available for guests ages 2 to 12 (free ticket required)
- 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM – Art making activity. Learn about cempaxochitl (marigolds) and the important role they play in ofrendas (altars). After making your own paper flowers, add them to a garland (free ticket required)
- 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM – Art making activity. Create your very own Papel Picado banner to commemorate a loved one who has passed.
- 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM – Photo booth available next to La Catrina
- 1:45 PM and 3:45 PM – Performance in the courtyard by MAZarte Dance Company in the courtyard. Visitors will enjoy traditional dances from Veracruz, including La Bruja, La Llorona, and Son Jarocho, and more
- 2:30 PM, 3:00 PM, and 4:00 PM – Performance in the courtyard by Mariachi Bohemia
- 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM – Cultural Performance in El Teatro with Calpulli Mexican Dance Company. Using both folk and classical music and dance, Calpulli Mexican Dance Company’s Día de Muertos explores a love story that spans the boundary between the living and the dead
MORE DETAILS:
Procession by Atl-Tlachinolli
Begins at El Museo | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Start the day’s celebrations with a procession to Central Park and danzas near the Harlem Meer! Grupo Atl-Tlachinolli‘s name comes from the ancient Mexican language, Nahuatl. Atl means water and Chinolli means fire. It is the combination of two opposing forces that unite to create harmony.
Mictlán by Cinthya Briones
El Cafe | Altar | 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Mictlán refers to the underworld in Aztec mythology, one of the four realms where souls would journey after death, depending on how they passed. This altar highlights the Mesoamerican understanding of life and death as interconnected, a duality central to pre-Hispanic thought. The altar incorporates iconographic imagery from pre-Hispanic and colonial codices and is adorned with a collection of crocheted cempaxochitl and dandelion flowers, traditionally used in Day of the Dead altars, inspired by the floral arrangements created by the artist’s grandmothers.
Hung from the ceiling are the artist’s versions of papel picado created in fabric and inspired by José Guadalupe Posadas’s images of La Calavera Catrina.
The public is invited to leave messages about their loved ones on the altar throughout the day.
Mixtec indigenous interpreter and activist Maria Jose Prudente will talk about the celebration of Day of the Dead in the Mountain of Guerrero, one of the regions with the highest expulsion of indigenous migrants to New York City. Join Josefina Prudente next to the altar at 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM and 4:15 PM.
Performance by MAZarte Dance Company
Courtyard | Performance | 1:45 PM and 3:15 PM
MAZarte Dance Company is an artistic organization that exposes the history and the art of the indigenous artisans of Mexican culture through dance. Join us in the courtyard to see traditional dances from Veracruz including La Bruja, La Llorona, and Son Jarocho dances, as well as other traditional dances from Jalisco.
Performance by Mariachi Bohemia
El Museo | Performance | 2:30 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM
Mariachi Bohemia sets the scene with soulful melodies that celebrate the spirit of Mexico. Their music honors tradition, adding a vibrant, heartfelt touch to the celebration, connecting us with the rich heritage and memories of those we cherish on the Day of the Dead.
Cara Calaca Facepainting
3rd Floor Black Box Theatre | 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
This is a free and ticketed activity
Traditional face painting inspired by vibrant calaveras (skulls) and Catrina designs are available for guests 2-12 years-old. Our artists will transform all participants into half face sugar skulls. Free Tickets Available for 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM
Flowers Workshop
3rd Floor in Talleres | Art Making | 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
This is a free and ticketed activity
Learn about cempaxochitl (marigolds) and the important role they play in ofrendas (altars). After making your own paper flowers, add them to a garland that honors a passed loved one or to a decorative Day of the Dead flower crown.
Papel Picado Banner
Courtyard | Art Making | 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Create your very own Papel Picado banner to commemorate a loved one who has passed. Papel Picado adorns most ofrendas bringing bright colors and stories embedded in the banners.
Catrina Photobooth
Courtyard | Photobooth | 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Strike a pose with our very special Catrina visitors for the Day of the Dead celebration in El Barrio!
Dia de Muertos: Calpulli Mexican Dance Company
El Teatro | Performance | Doors: 4:30 PM & Program: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Using both folk and classical music and dance, Calpulli Mexican Dance Company’s Dia de Muertos explores a love story that spans the boundary between the living and the departed. A loving couple falls victim to treachery and is separated, seemingly forever. The young woman enters Mictlán–the underworld of Aztec mythology–where the mesmerizing Catrina reigns as queen.
Founded in 2003, Calpulli Mexican Dance Company celebrates and explores Mexican and Mexican American culture via dance including live music. Based in New York City, Calpulli produces professional performances via its international touring company, designs arts-in- education programming, and leads free community outreach activities.
Co-Sponsors:
With support from U. S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and New York City Council Deputy Speaker, Diana Ayala.
Thank you to our Honorary Guest, New York State Senator, Jose M. Serrano.
A special thanks to the CUNY Mexican Studies Institute for their support of the altar installation at El Museo del Barrio.