Day of the Dead -- also known as Dia de Muertos -- comes on the heels of Halloween every year, bringing with it its own set of customs and traditions. There are several ways in Atlanta to celebrate the Mexican holiday, observed this year on Nov. 2, during which loved ones are remembered and guided along their spiritual journey.
Learn more about Day of the Dead in the video below, and keep reading to find out how to observe the holiday yourself.
The Mexican bakery is hosting a Dia de los Muertos party featuring pan de muerto, coffee and Mexican hot chocolate, calavera de azucar (sugar skulls), face painting and mariachi music. Also, bring a photo of a departed loved one to put on the ofrenda (altar).
3:30-5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 30. La Calavera, 747 E. College Ave., Decatur. 404-998-8389, lacalaverabakery.wordpress.com/
Keep the spooky vibes going and nurse your Halloween hangover with $5 Margaritas and $5 Tecate Tallboys – plus the weekly Tamale Tuesday special, featuring a chef’s choice tamale with rice and beans for $10.
Tuesday, Nov. 1. The Original El Taco, 1186 N. Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-873-4656, eltaco-atlanta.com/
Celebrate in Castleberry Hill with a traditional Mexican menu featuring pollo con mole, tamales, pumpkin flan, Mexican hot chocolate and Besos de la Muerte (Kiss of Death). The celebration will also offer an artisan market with Catrinas and folk art, a photo booth, tarot and palm readings, a traditional altar, face painting and sugar skull painting. Get a free gift if you come in costume. Looking for some adult beverages? A tequila tasting package is available for $15.
5-9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2. No Mas Cantina, 180 Walker St. SW, Atlanta. 404-574-5678, nomascantina.com/
Travel to Hampton for a Day of the Dead chili cookoff featuring 18 competing teams making chili, live music and beer. General admission tour tickets are $18. $25 VIP tickets include general admission, a 6-pack of brewery-only beer and more. Purchase tickets here.
Noon-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5. Jailhouse Brewing Company, 8 Cherry St., Hampton. 678-734-3202, jailhousebrewing.com/
