Looking to celebrate the Day of the Dead in Philadelphia in 2024? We’ve got you covered on all things Día de los Muertos in the city.
CultureFest! Día de los Muertos at the Penn Museum
Locals can head to the Penn Museum on Saturday, Oct. 26 to check out the 13th annual CultureFest! Día de los Muertos event in partnership with the Mexican Cultural Center. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the venue will feature an artisan marketplace, activities, performances (spanning music, dance and clowns), free samples of Day of the Dead bread and Mexican hot chocolate, and more.
As a release notes, a monumental ofrenda—an elaborate communal altar that honors those who have passed—will serve as the event’s centerpiece as well. Artists Martín Anguiano and Maria Felix collaborated to create this year’s massive ofrenda installation, which takes more than a week to assemble. More information can be found online.
3260 South St., penn.museum
12th annual Día de los Muertos in South Philadelphia
Next month, those looking to celebrate the Day of the Dead in Philadelphia can head to the Fleisher Art Memorial building. On Saturday, Nov. 2, from 2 to 9 p.m., the celebration will feature arts and craft activities, a special procession parade through the streets of South Philly (beginning at 5 p.m.,) an artisanal Latinx market, La Calaca Market, and live entertainment.
A La Ofrenda will also be on view at the Fleisher Art Memorial in the Sanctuary space from Nov. 2 – 9 as well (except for Tuesday, Nov. 5, Election Day.) The event is free and open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to dress up to celebrate the occasion.
719 Catharine St., fleisher.community
Cantina La Martina
On Saturday, Nov. 2, Philadelphians can head to Cantina La Martina for a full day of special celebrations for the holiday. From 1 to 11 p.m., the restaurant will be filled with kids arts and crafts, face painting, robot dancers, performers and more (a full schedule is online.) As a release notes, special Día de los Muertos food and beverage specials by Chef Dionicio Jiménez will also be available for purchase throughout the day. And finally, the Best dressed Catrina contest will take place at 10 p.m. To qualify, you must be in traditional Catrine or Catrina dress, and the winner gets a $100 Catina La Martina gift card.
2800 D St., cantinalamartinapa.com
FDR Park
On Friday, Nov. 1, Fairmount Park Conservancy and Mexican-American artist Cesar Viveros will be throwing a Day of the Dead celebration open to all Philadelphians.
From 6 to 9 p.m., the occasion will feature dance and musical performances, a large-scale art installation by Viveros (which will remain on display throughout the weekend), samples from local vendors, and ways to explore the Mercado de Latinas for handcrafted items and unique gifts. The event will take place at The Boathouse at FDR Park, more information can be found online.
1500 Pattison Ave., myphillypark.org
Colonial Theatre
On Friday, Nov. 1, the Colonial Theatre will be throwing a lively Día De Los Muertos Latin dance party at 10 p.m. The event will feature DJ Jholi in La Jungla de Perreo, and tickets ($30) are available now online. Additionally, the venue will be honoring Hispanic Heritage Month with a series of special film screenings. A full schedule is held on the theatre’s official site.
227 Bridge St, Phoenixville, thecolonialtheatre.com
Día de los Muertos Tasting Menu at Aqimero
On Friday, Oct. 25, Philadelphians looking to celebrate the Day of the Dead in Philadelphia can indulge in a special tasting menu from Chef Richard Sandoval. At 7 p.m., a four-course dinner will be served, and as a release states, each dish will honor the rich traditions of Latin cuisine and the family and friends that have come before us.
“Día de los Muertos is a special time for me, as it’s a celebration of life, family, and heritage,” said Sandoval in a statement. “I’m thrilled to invite guests to experience an evening filled with the bold, vibrant flavors that reflect the beauty and essence of this holiday. I look forward to personally sharing these dishes and stories with everyone.”
The experience ($75) will feature dishes like Empanadas de Langosta, Filete en Salsa Negra, homemade churros and more. Diners also have the option to add a beverage pairing with each course ($50). Reservations are available now via OpenTable.
10 Ave Of The Arts, aqimero.com
