CultureFest!
Día de los Muertos
Event Has Passed
Included with Museum Admission
Event Has PassedFree for Members, PennCard holders, & Penn Medicine Patients & Staff
This full-day festival offers fun for the whole family, including an arts activity, altar competition, artisan market, dance and music performances, and an enormous traditional ofrenda (altar) installation by the Mexican Cultural Center by artists José Martín Anguiano Hermosillo and Maria Felix.
Event Partner:
Mexican Cultural Center
Media Sponsor:
NBC10
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a lively holiday blending of Indigenous Mexican beliefs and traditions with the Catholic celebrations of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. With roots in rituals dating back 3,000 years to pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, Día de los Muertos is observed across Latin America and in Latine communities worldwide.
Explore the unique history, traditions, and expressions of this celebration of life and death. Learn about the ofrendas (offerings) at the center of the festivities. These ornate and colorful altars honor the dead (and encourage them to join the party!) with bright yellow marigolds, food, drinks, and photos. Discover the origins of the iconic smiling calacas y calaveras (skeletons and skulls) that are seen on candy, masks, and dolls across parades, vigils, and gatherings.
Program supported by Philations Radio and the Center for Latin American and Latinx Studies at the University of Pennsylvania.
Buy TicketsA Day of Vibrant Festivities
Ofrendas honor and welcome deceased loved ones back to the living world during Día de los Muertos. Marvel at the monumental ofrenda (altar) created by artists José Martín Anguiano Hermosillo and Maria Felix. Check out the submissions to the Mexican Cultural Center’s community altar contest and vote for your favorite. Winners will be announced at 3:20 pm.
Esmeralda LaCor
11 am
Proud Mariachi performer Esmeralda LaCor showcases her violin skills. In a mariachi ensemble, the violin plays a crucial role in delivering the melody, either in unison or harmony within the violin section.
Juntas Chicas
11:45 am & 2 pm
Juntas Chicas blend son jarocho, rancheras, and norteño with jazz, cumbia, and flamenco, resulting in a captivating musical tapestry that celebrates diverse musical traditions while exploring exciting new territories.
Payaso Bombin
12:30 pm
Mexico has a rich circus heritage, and payasos, or clowns, are central to this tradition. Payaso Bombin provides delightful entertainment for all ages.
Ballet Folklorico Yaretzi
1:20 pm
This Norristown-based dance ensemble takes you on a vibrant journey through Mexico with a mix of traditional dance styles, colorful costumes, and impressive choreography.
3:00 pm
Sample pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and decadent hot chocolate, traditional ceremonial offerings of Día de los Muertos.
All day
Stop by the Asia Galleries anytime for make-and-take art activities and a marketplace.