How NYC Brings "Day of the Dead" to Life in 2025
- eileen strauss
- Oct 14
- 5 min read
Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a Mexican holiday that celebrates the lives of deceased loved ones, welcoming their spirits back to the world of the living with joy rather than mourning. A celebration of life and an acknowledgment of death’s inevitability, Day of the Dead encourages the living to cherish each moment while providing a unique perspective on mortality as part of a natural life cycle—a sentiment reflected in many NYC cultural events and community celebrations.
Coinciding with Halloween, Day of the Dead is celebrated each year on All Saints Day (November 1st), and All Souls' Day (November 2). November 1st, known as Día de los Inocentes or Día de los Angelitos, is dedicated to honoring deceased children.
Known as Día de los Muertos, celebrations peak on November 2nd, the main day for celebrating the souls of deceased adults, with parades, altars, and community gatherings across New York City, bringing this rich tradition to life for locals and visitors alike.
In 2025, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) will be observed from Saturday, November 1 through Sunday, November 2.
November 1 – Día de los Inocentes (honors deceased children)
November 2 – Día de los Muertos (honors deceased adults)
Day of the Dead Events in and Around NYC
An entirely FREE event, Flatiron Nomad Partnership is hosting a week-long Dia de Muertos celebration, transforming the district with vibrant events and activities! This year’s festivities feature Mexican folklore performances, sugar skull decorating, food samples from local Mexican restaurants, face painting, photo opportunities, and much more.
$ Free
🗓️ October 28 – November 1
📍 Flatiron North Plaza (Broadway & 23rd Street), the Capitol Plaza (48 West 27th Street), and 29th Street & Broadway
Día de los Muertos Family Day at Green-Wood Cemetery
Stop by one of NYC’s most incredible cemeteries on November 1 to partake in their annual Día de los Muertos celebration! Green-Wood Cemetery is hosting an afternoon of family-friendly crafts, performances, music, activities, and food, to celebrate the holiday.
$ Free, however a $10 donation is recommended!
🗓️ November 1, 4 – 7 pm
📍 Green-Wood Cemetery (500 25th St, Brooklyn)
Super Sábado at El Museo del Barrio
El Museo del Barrio, a NYC museum dedicated solely to Latino art and culture, is hosting an incredible Super Sábado event to celebrate Día de los Muertos! Honoring those who have passed, the vibrant tradition will feature a day full of cultural performances, art-making activities, face painting, a communal altar, and more. RSVP on the website.
$ Free!
🗓️ November 2, 12 – 9 pm
📍 El Museo del Barrio (1230 5th Ave)
Day of the Dead/Día de los Muertos at Wave Hill
Celebrate this special Mexican cultural holiday at Wave Hill and create your own nicho box, a small shadow box filled with meaning and purpose that honor a lost loved one. You can decorate your box with objects and natural materials and make it special to you.
📍 Wave Hill (4900 Independence Ave, The Bronx)
🗓️ Saturday, November 2, 10 am – 3 pm
Folk Art: Mexican Day of the Dead at Pelham Art Center
Head to Pelham Art Center’s courtyard for a folk art celebration of Day of the Dead with renowned artist and educator Zafiro Romero-Acevedo, who will share the history of one of Mexico’s richest traditions. Plus, there will also be a live performance by Mariachi Artístico, free children’s workshops, and cultural items available for purchase.
$ Free
📍 Pelham Art Center (155 Fifth Ave, Pelham, NY)
🗓️ October 27, 1 – 3 pm
Día de los Muertos Celebration at Lincoln Center
Lincoln Center is creating a community ofrenda (“offering”) for Día de los Muertos this year, inviting New Yorkers to bring copies of photographs, notes, and letters to honor lost loved ones.
$ Free!
David Rubenstein Atrium (1887 Broadway)
🗓️ October 31, 7:30 pm
Día de los Muertos at St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery
St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery is hosting an event in collaboration with Mano a Mano: Mexican Culture Without Borders, a New York-based nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating and promoting the understanding of Mexican culture and traditions. This October the church will host art-making, live music, and a craft market to celebrate.
$ Free!
📍 St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery (131 E 10th St)
🗓️ October 25 – 27, 12 – 5 pm
Day of the Dead at Museum of the Moving Image
The Museum of the Moving Image is hosting a celebration this year, which includes a performance of Aztec Mexica dance, ofrendas honoring beloved ones who have died, fun digital media activities for kids and families, and music from Indigenous dance troupe Yayauhki Tezcatlipoka!
📍 Museum of the Moving Image (36-01 35th Ave, Queens)
🗓️ November 2 (4 – 6 pm)
Lotería Nights at The Standard, East Village
The Standard, East Village and their on site bar, NO BAR, are kicking off their new Lotería Nights on November 1st for Dia de los Muertos! The brand new series Not Your Standard Lotería Night will be hosted by NYC nightlife personality, Iranipapi, for a night of high-energy Mexican bingo and great prizes, Rosaluna cocktails, and small bites! It’s completely free to RSVP and there’s still time to grab a spot here!
📍 NO BAR at The Standard, East Village (25 Cooper Square)
🗓️ November 1 (8 – 10 pm)
How to Celebrate Day of the Dead at Your Restaurant
Decorate with Symbolic Elements
Altars (Ofrendas): Families create altars decorated with photos, candles, marigolds, and offerings of favorite foods, drinks, and personal items of the deceased.
Skulls (Calaveras): Sugar skulls, face-painting in the style of La Catrina (a skeleton dressed as an elegant woman), and playful skeletons symbolize the playful acceptance of death.
Bread of the Dead (Pan de Muerto): A traditional sweet bread, often decorated with bone-shaped patterns, is an offering for the deceased and a treat for the living.
Face-Painting or Costume Event
Face Painting: Offer simple DIY face-painting kits, enlist the help of a creative staff member, or bring in a makeup artist to paint sugar skulls on guests’ faces.
Costume Competition: Encourage guests to dress up, with prizes for the best Day of the Dead costume.
Hire a Live Band
Go all out and feature live traditional Mexican music or cultural performances, bringing energy and authenticity to the celebration
Sugar Skull Decorating Workshop
Set up a station where guests can decorate sugar skulls.
Offer pre-made skulls, colored icings, and other decorations
Decorate with Alters and Marigolds
Create an Altar: Set up a table with an altar, complete with photos of iconic figures, past regulars, or beloved pets. Decorate with candles, sugar skulls, and marigolds.
Marigold Garland and Flower Arrangements: Use marigolds throughout your space as centerpieces, around the altar, or as garlands to add authenticity and warmth.
Set Up a Photo Booth with Props
Create a photo area decorated with skull props, flower crowns, and colorful backdrops. Include signage with your restaurant’s social media handle or hashtags to boost online visibility.
Takeaway
Bring the vibrant spirit of Día de los Muertos into your restaurant by honoring Mexican culture and inviting guests to join the celebration. From colorful décor to themed food and cocktails, every detail can turn your space into a lively, photo-worthy experience.
For restaurants, the Day of the Dead celebration is the perfect time to bring the holiday season to life!
By Eileen Strauss
