Looking to Celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Philly? Here are 7 Events to Check Out
With Halloween around the corner, this time of year also marks the Mexican tradition of celebrating and remembering loved ones who have passed on during the annual Dia de los Muertos. This is a time when offerings are given, reflections are made, and festive vibes all take place during this special and sacred tradition. So for those looking to partake, we gathered five events to celebrate Dia De Los Muertos in Philly.
Cantina La Martina
Nov. 2 nd | 2800 D St.
“Day of the Dead holds a special place for both Chef and I. Together we set up the altar, prepare the offerings, and put up the pictures of our loved ones for which we eagerly wait to come and visit us once more. Day of the Dead has become even more special because now we get to share this tradition with the friends we’ve made at Cantina La Martina and welcome their loved ones to the celebration. Every year more people from the community come and become part of the preparation of the altar and share pictures and stories of their loved ones that have passed away. This year, the altar at Cantina La Martina will be dedicated to a dear guest who unexpectedly passed away. His family will be helping with setting up the offering.” -Mariangeli Alicea Saez, co-owner of Cantina La Martina.
Menu will include: Alligator Barbacoa, Snake Chorizo Nachos, Regular Nachos Tacos: Cabeza, Suadero, Asada, Chicken, Pastor Negro, Carnitas, Mushroom, Calf Brains Fried Quesadillas, Tamales: Chicken in mole, Pork in green salsa, Rajas and Cheese
Schedule of events:
1pm – 5pm – Kids arts and crafts
1pm – 9:30pm – Face painting
2pm – 11pm – Cali Rumba DJing
5pm – Danza Azteca performing
TBD timing – Ballet Yaretzi performing
8pm – Robot dancers
10pm – Best dressed Catrina contest. The winner gets a $100 Catina La Martina gift card. To qualify, you must be in traditional Catrine or Catrina dress.
Aquimero
October 5 – 6
November 2 – 3
10 Ave Of The Arts
Chef Sandoval is honoring Día de los Muertos with a vibrant celebration of remembrance and joy this season. Join us at Aqimero as we pay tribute to this rich tradition with special editions of our Boozy Tea, alongside an exquisite collection of seasonal food and drinks that will delight your senses.
Indulge in our Marigold Margarita, a refreshing twist on the classic, featuring the bright flavors of reposado tequila, fresh lime, cempaxuchil, and marigold flowers. Savor the Papel Picado Paloma, a festive cocktail that combines Grand Malo tequila, creme de violette, and a touch of sweet lime, all inspired by the colorful papel picado decorations that adorn altars during this special time.
Don’t miss out on our delectable Pan de Muerto, a traditional sweet bread that symbolizes the cycle of life and death, and our savory Empanadas de Langosta, filled with succulent lobster, sweet corn squid in masa black bean puree and chili de árbol sauce, perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
Now-November 4th
1020 South Street
El Dia de los Muertos Ofrenda
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens collaborated with artist Ivonne Pinto-Garcia to create a special Dia de los Muertos ofrenda, or altar, in our Back Gallery. The Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink and celebration. An ofrenda is an altar built to honor lost loved ones and made to connect both worlds, the living and the dead. Guests to the museum are welcome to leave notes or photos in remembrance of loved ones who have passed.
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is also offering a Sugar Skull Workshop on Sunday, October 27.
FDR Park Boathouse
Day of the Dead Celebration: Community Art Workshop with Cesar Viveros
Penn Museum
October 26th
3260 South Street
CultureFest!
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a lively holiday blending of Indigenous Mexican beliefs and traditions with the Catholic celebrations of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. With roots in rituals dating back 3,000 years to pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, Día de los Muertos is observed across Latin America and in Latine communities worldwide.
Explore the unique history, traditions, and expressions of this celebration of life and death. Learn about the ofrendas (offerings) at the center of the festivities. These ornate and colorful altars honor the dead (and encourage them to join the party!) with bright yellow marigolds, food, drinks, and photos. Discover the origins of the iconic smiling calacas y calaveras (skeletons and skulls) that are seen on candy, masks, and dolls across parades, vigils, and gatherings.
Program supported by Philations Radio and the Center for Latin American and Latinx Studies at the University of Pennsylvania.
Día De Los Muertos Ceremony & DIY Picture Frame
November 2nd
3245 Amber St.
Join us for a special evening of remembrance, creativity, and healing as we honor the spirit of Día de los Muertos. This unique event will blend tradition, personal expression, and spiritual wellness to celebrate the lives of those who have passed to the next dimension.
Event Highlights:
• A traditional altar (ofrenda) to honor ancestors and loved ones.
• A beautiful space to share memories and stories with the group.
• Traditional elements like marigolds, candles, and music.
DIY Picture Frame Crafting:
• Personalize a picture frame for someone you wish to honor.
• All materials provided, including crystals, decorations, and flowers!
• Bring a photo of your loved one or print one on-site.
Guided Meditation:
• A calming meditation session to center yourself and connect spiritually.
• Reflect on the memories of those who have passed and find peace in their remembrance.
Sound Healing Session:
• Experience deep relaxation and emotional healing through soothing sound therapy.
• Let the vibrations of crystal bowls and other instruments bring calm and connection.
Día de los Muertos Celebration and Procession
November 2 & November 9th
719 Catharine St.
Day of the Dead is celebrated in Mexico and Central America on November 2nd. This year, the stars and the calendar aligned for us and we will be celebrating on that same day, the actual Day of the Dead. This is our 12th year of celebrating at Fleisher Art Memorial with our dear, growing community and we continue to explore the many different elements of this beautiful tradition in our very own special Philly way.
ITINERARY | Saturday, November 2, 2024
Rain date, Sunday, November 3, 2024
2:00 pm Children’s Fair in Fleisher’s parking lot
2:00 pm La Calaca Market with artisanal crafts from Latin America
4:00 pm Procession gathering outside the doors of the Sanctuary at Fleisher Art Memorial to follow the Champion Lowriders with La Calacleta.
5:30 pm Dancers from Canpatlaneci Danza Azteca del Anahuac initiate the evening celebrations in Fleisher’s parking lot
6-9 pm Entertainment by Los Guachinangos, Son Revoltura, Los Bomberos de la Calle, Children’s Mexican Folkloric Dance Group Ñuuxakun, Los Guachinangitos and much more.
FOOD TRUCK: El Charro Negro and Peruvian Family Food Truck
CLOSING EVENT | Saturday, November 9, 2024
6:00 pm: Free film screening by the Cineclub El Conejo del Faro: El esqueleto de la señora Morales (Rogelio A. González, 1959)
