Day of the Dead Events in Westchester
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday meant to honor deceased loved ones with a celebration of death and life. Traditionally celebrated on November 1and 2, these days often entail decorating gravesites with marigolds, candles and the favorite foods of deceased relatives. Many families also build alters known as ofrendas in their homes, adorning them with photos, candles, flowers and food. See below for several Day of the Dead events in Westchester hosted by local arts groups.
October 15
Presented by Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts
Caramoor welcomes the Calpulli Mexican Dance Company to celebrate Day of the Dead with an afternoon family-friendly afternoon of music and dance. Alongside the main performances, guests can expect arts, crafts and snacks. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair. (149 Girdle Ridge Road, Katonah).
October 18
Childrens’ Art Workshop: Creating Day of the Dead Sugar Skulls
Presented by Blue Door Art Center
Blue Door Art Center welcomes children and their families to join them in celebrating Day of the dead with an arts and crafts workshop. Artist Zafiro Romero-Acevedo will lead the young artists in creating and decorating their very own sugar skulls. (13 Riverdale Ave, Yonkers)
October 28
Presented by Jacob Burns Film Center
This screening of the Disney film Coco invites kids to watch the story of Miguel as he learns about family, tradition and the meaning of the Day of the Dead holiday. Kids are encouraged to dress up in costume for the opportunity to take home various prizes. After the screening will be a kids art activity. (364 Manville Road, Pleasantville)
October 29
Folk Art: Mexican Day of the Dead Celebration
Presented by Pelham Art Center
Pelham Art Center presents a folk art celebration with artist and educator Zafiro Romero-Acevedo, who has been teaching Mexican Folk Art for over two decades. Through performances and demonstrations, she will share the history of the Mexican Day of the Dead holiday. (155 Fifth Avenue, Pelham)
October 28 & 29
Halloweekend at Hudson River Museum
Presented by Hudson River Museum
Hudson River Museum welcomes guests to celebrate Day of the Dead and Halloween with a weekend. Guests can visit and contribute to the community ofrenda (alter) by leaving photos of their own deceased relatives, create sugar skull masks and decorate frames to display lotería cards. Gusts are encouraged to come in costume. (511 Warburton Ave, Yonkers)
October 29
Day of the Dead Cultural Celebration
Presented by the United Community Center of Westchester
This event celebrates Day of the Dead with the community of New Rochelle and Westchester as a whole. Guests can expect art exhibitions, traditional performances of live music and dance, theatrical presentations and traditional Mexican cuisine. At Ruby Dee Park (1 Library Plaza, New Rochelle).
Featured photo by Gabe Palacio.
