Day of the Dead

El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a day of celebration, particularly for the people in Mexico and Central America, and for many Mexican Americans in the United States. It is a day to honor and commemorate the lives of the dearly departed and to welcome the return of their spirits.

The tradition of the Day of the Dead is rooted in Indigenous and Spanish Catholic ritual customs. Today, this celebration has been increasingly popular among Latinos in the United States. Though many of the traditional elements have remained, the way and where the Day of the Dead is celebrated has changed. However, the unity of life and death continues to be the dominant theme of the art, tradition, and rituals of the annual celebration of the Day of the Dead on Nov. 2, both in Mexico and the United States.

Day of the Dead Learning Kit

Virtual Exhibitions

A curated series of online exhibits on Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) via Google Arts & Culture. Exhibits include "The Meaning of the Altar," "Honoring Our Ancestors," and "La Catrina: Lady of the Dead."

Dead Poets Open Mic Series

Events