Day of the Dead
Oct 30 - Nov 1, 2026 • 12 - 5 pm
St. Mark's Church in-the-Bowery
131 E 10th St, New York, NY 10003
Mano a Mano's Día de Muertos celebration at St. Mark's Church-in-the-Bowery in New York City's East Village is a free, family-friendly event featuring a massive community altar (Ofrenda), live music, traditional crafts, and a Mexican marketplace.
Día de Muertos is a Mexican tradition that honors our ancestors and loved ones who have passed away. The Ofrenda is the heart of our celebration, honoring family and community members no longer with us. We invite visitors to bring copies of their loved ones' photographs and to write letters to place on the Ofrenda to remember and celebrate them.
This year our Ofrenda combines traditional elements crafted by artists in New York and Mexico. The portico of the ofrenda was handmade in New York using the papel picado technique, honoring Puebla, its place of origin, with tools such as chisels and hammers. Additionally, black clay skulls from San Bartolo Coyotepec pay tribute to Oaxaca, accompanied by handmade flaked-wax candles created using traditional techniques in New York. Our Ofrenda was created by Danny Tepi in collaboration with Andrea Arroyo and Rosa Ocampo, emphasizing artistic exchange and the preservation of Mexican culture.
Live Music • Mexican Folk Art Market • Mexican Food
Friday, October 30
12 - 5 pm Ofrenda open to the public
We invite the community to share place copies of pictures, notes, and letters in memory of their loved ones.
12 - 5 pm Marketplace
Experience the vibrant colors and unique designs of traditional Mexican folk art, and enjoy delicious Mexican Food, all available for purchase
3 - 4 pm Art Making Workshops
Create crafts and trinkets related to the Day of the Dead celebration.
Saturday, October 31
12 - 5 pm Ofrenda open to the public
We invite the community to share place copies of pictures, notes, and letters in memory of their loved ones.
12 - 5 pm Marketplace
Experience the vibrant colors and unique designs of traditional Mexican folk art, and enjoy delicious Mexican Food, all available for purchase
2 - 3 pm Art Making Workshops
Create crafts and trinkets related to the Day of the Dead celebration.
3 pm Concert
Featuring Guadalupe Peraza, Cheo Pardo, and Stefan Paolini, the Peraza–Paolini duet project, and a special preview of the cross-cultural concept of Mexamorphosis, founded and artistically directed by Guadalupe Peraza.
Sunday, November 1
12 - 5 pm Ofrenda open to the public
We invite the community to share place copies of pictures, notes, and letters in memory of their loved ones.
12 - 5 pm Marketplace
Experience the vibrant colors and unique designs of traditional Mexican folk art, and enjoy delicious Mexican Food, all available for purchase.
2 pm Cetiliztli Nauhcampa Quetzalcoatl in Ixachitlan (drumming and dance)
Ceremonial performance by the Indigenous community-based circle Cetiliztli Nauhcampa, an Anahuac Mexica group formed in 1999. Cetiliztli Nauhcampa preserves and shares Indigenous culture through ceremonial performances and educational workshops in the New York metropolitan area.
3 pm Mariachi Hidalgo (Performance)
Experience the world-famous Mariachi music originating from western Mexico.
4 pm Closing
Perishable items from the Ofrenda will be shared with the public
This free, outdoor event welcomes everyone to participate in a beautiful cultural experience filled with color, memory, and joy. Rain or shine!
RSVP is highly encouraged but not mandatory. You will receive email reminders if you confirm your attendance (RSVP).
The bread of the dead or pan de muerto.
Our past Day of the Dead celebrations.
About the Day of the Dead
The Day of the Dead is a beloved Mexican tradition celebrated since pre-Hispanic times. During this time, families welcome the souls of their departed loved ones. Día de Muertos can last for a week and includes building Ofrendas, also called altars adorned with marigolds, copal incense, foods, pan de muertos bread, candles, sugar skulls, photos, and mementos to honor the deceased.
Learn more about the history of the Day of the Dead and find answers to some frequently asked questions.
The Mano a Mano's Day of the Dead at St. Mark's is outdoors, rain or shine. The scheduled activities are subject to change or cancellation if there are strong wind gusts, hail, or snow. For updates during the event, follow us on X at @MexCulture.
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Thank you to our funders and partners
We want to thank our funders and partners for their support.
Funding for the Day of the Dead is provided, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Additional support is provided by our partners Copalli Mexican Folk Art and St. Mark's Church in-the-Bowery.