Where to celebrate Día de los Muertos in Philly

Looking to celebrate the Day of the Dead in Philly? We’ve got you covered on all things Día de los Muertos in the city.

Locals can head to the Penn Museum on Saturday, Nov. 1 to check out the 14th annual CultureFest! Día de los Muertos event in partnership with the Mexican Cultural Center. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the venue will feature an artisan marketplace, activities and live performances (spanning music, dance and storytelling). This year, Philadelphia fashion designer Virginia Rivera will also construct a monumental ofrenda (an elaborate altar honoring those who have passed), dedicated in memory of Mexican singer Paquita la del Barrio.

 

All CultureFest! Día de los Muertos activities are included with Penn Museum admission. Children ages 5 and under, teachers, U.S. military veterans with identification, Penn Museum members, PennCard holders, Penn Medicine patients/families, and Penn Medicine staff can get in for free, a release notes.

 

Chef Richard Sandoval’s locale will be commemorating the occasion now through Nov. 3 with a special limited-time menu. As a release notes, the fresh food and drink options added are inspired by the moon’s guiding presence—a nod to Mesoamerican lore where lunar deities symbolize fertility, healing, and the crossing between worlds.

 

What that looks like are an eclectic assortment of cocktails like the Living Spirit (tequila, ancho reyes, nixta tamarind, agave, black salt, a blue corn tortilla and a chipotle tuile), the Moon’s Embrace (bourbon, abasolo, cacao liqueur, abasolo cocoa, café de olla orange bitters, rose and obleas) and the Moonlit Waters (hibiscus, balsamic vinegar, cinnamon, beetroot, agave, guava and soda).

 

Food-wise, the occasion puts dishes like Calabaza en Tacha (pumpkin natilla brulée with piloncillo pepita compote and cinnamon ice cream) and Ofrenda de Cempasúchil (lamb tenderloin with creamy purple potato mash, roasted heirloom carrots, charred ashes, and smoky chipotle hibiscus sauce) on the menu. All dishes will be served family-style at communal tables to keep up with the collaborative theme.

 

The Association of Mexican Business Owners in Philadelphia, the S. 9th Street Business Association, the Mayor’s Office of Latino Engagement, and the Mexican Cultural Center all partnered up to throw this celebration.

 

Held along S. 9th Street between Federal and Christian Streets on Sunday, Nov. 2, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  locals can find live music, folkloric dance, mariachi, family activities, authentic Mexican and South Philly food vendors, a bike parade, costume contests for pets, Catrín, plus, a Community Altar created by artist Claudia Peregrina. Other traditional altars designed by merchants and neighbors will also be on site, and attendees are encouraged to bring photocopies of their loved ones to place on the ofrenda.

 

On Sunday, Nov. 2, Philadelphians can head to Cantina La Martina for a full day of special celebrations for the holiday. From 1 to 10 p.m., the restaurant will be filled with kids arts and crafts, face painting, robot dancers, performers and other themed activities (a full schedule is online).

 

Special Día de los Muertos food and beverage specials by Chef Dionicio Jiménez will also be available for purchase throughout the event. And finally, the Best Dressed Catrina contest will take place at 7 p.m. To qualify, you must be in traditional Catrine or Catrina dress, and the winner gets a $100 La Baja Ambler gift card and a gift basket.

 

Locals can head to Bar Bombón for special food and drink features over Día de los Muertos weekend (Friday, Nov. 1 and Saturday, Nov. 2). While there, Philadelphians can also try bites like Peruvian Yuca, hearts of palm “fish” tacos, a sweet plantain chimichanga and more from this plant-based locale.

 

From Oct. 29 to Nov. 4 locals can head to LMNO for a special ofrenda, meant to honor any and all beloved pets who have passed on. As a release notes, guests can bring a photo, collar, or small keepsake, and items will be displayed with candles, color, and cariño throughout the week, and can be picked up by their owners on Nov 4. Additionally, on Nov. 1, DJ Kosherican and Koricua will present “Salsa Pa' Los Muertos" as a vibrant Day of the Dead Celebration at the venue.

 

This locale is offering food and drink specials leading up to the holiday, as well as family-friendly activities on Día de los Muertos.  While there, patrons can also try dishes like a tuna tostada, carne asada, watermelon aguachile, fish tacos and more.

 

The Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will host a Dine Latino Chef’s Tasting on Oct. 30, featuring chef Sofía De Leon. As a release describes, this elevated dining experience extends the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month while leading into Día de los Muertos, giving guests the opportunity to connect with a celebrated chef and explore the cultural inspiration behind each dish. The event will take place at La Cucina at the Market from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets run for $100, or $85 if you’re a GPHCC member.

 

This family-friendly event from the Calpulli Mexican Dance Company is hitting the stage at Rowan University on Sunday, Nov. 2. This performance is meant to “celebrate the past and present of Mexican-American culture through universal messages of love and hope.” The show will kick off at 3 p.m. on that date with tickets (free for 12 and under to $30) at the Pfleeger Concert Hall.