Día de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, is a two-day holiday that takes place Nov. 1-2 and celebrates those who have passed on. The colorful tradition, which is widely observed throughout Latin America, reunites the living and the dead. Families encourage visits from the afterlife with offerings, including, decorated ofrendas (altars honoring those who have passed on), parades, parties, photos of the departed and the honoree’s favorite foods and drinks.
Check out some of these Día de los Muertos events happening in Atlanta:
Día de los Muertos Workshops & Altar Project at El Ponce
Oct. 29 through Nov. 1, El Ponce is hosting creative outdoor workshops led by artist Patricia Hernandez to celebrate Día de los Muertos. There are four workshops to choose from (Papel Picado, Sugar Skull Decorating, Nichos Painting and a community altar build) and each will teach you how to create your own special piece to add to your altar. Tickets include materials and supplies, a $5 donation to the Latino Community Fund as well as food and one non-alcoholic beverage from El Ponce.
Find out more about the event here.
Hapeville’s 3rd Annual Día de Muertos Celebration
Over the Oct. 30-31 weekend, Día de los Muertos will be celebrated in Hapeville. Festivities include live music, independent film screenings from Latinx filmmakers, art, traditional food, and more.
Roswell’s 2nd Annual Día de los Muertos Festival
In addition to learning about the rich cultural history of this holiday, Roswell’s second annual Día de los Muertos Festival will also hold a variety of contests and activities the whole family can enjoy. A few highlights of the event include an ofrenda, traditional entertainment, live music, a costume contest and authentic cuisine.
This celebration takes place on Oct. 30 from 2 to 8 p.m. at Roswell City Hall. More information can be found here.
Día de los Muertos at East Point City Hall
Gather at East Point City Hall on Nov. 7 from 1 to 7 p.m. to celebrate the Day of the Dead. There will be activities highlighting traditional Mexican culture, face painting, yummy food and drinks. At 5:30 p.m., there will be a screening of Disney’s “Coco”. Admission is free.
Event information can be found here.
Bonus: Atlanta History Center’s Day of the Dead festival has been around for nearly 20 years. While the event is free, capacity is limited and tickets have already been claimed. Be sure to secure your spot next year by registering in advance.
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