El Dia De Los Muertos is the Day of the Dead in Mexican culture, celebrating both All Saints Day on November 1 and All Souls Day on November 2. It’s a time to reflect on your deceased loved ones while sharing their stories in order to keep their memory alive. Here’s where in New Jersey you can eat some Mexican food, dance to a Mariachi band, paint sugar skulls, and leave photos on the ofrenda (altar).
October 24 – November 10
Dia de los Muertos Celebration
Mezcal, Old Bridge
Called “A Feast for the Living, a Toast to the Departed,” there will be an exclusive menu and immersive cocktails honoring tradition and joy. Highlights include shrimp mojo, arroz con leche, Mexican espresso and affogato.
October 26
Ultimo Domingo: Dia de los Muertos
Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick
The “Last Sunday” festival will celebrate the holiday through bilingual activities.
October 30
Day of the Dead Paint & Sip
Berkeley Heights
This party for moms and dads includes tequila sipping as you paint a ceramic mug inspired by sugar skulls, marigolds colorful designs.
October 30 – November 2
Samhain + Dia de los Muertos
San Patricios, Jersey City
This Mexican cantina and Irish pub fusion restaurant will celebrate both Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”), the Irish pagan festival that predates Halloween, and Día de los Muertos. Events include live Irish music on Thursday; trick-or-treating with Irish and Mexican sweets, DJs, and a Day of the Dead Costume Party on Friday; kids’ face painting during the day and live music at night on Saturday; and a live four-piece Mexican band plus Catrina dancers on Sunday.
November 1
Day of the Dead
Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, Toms River or Woodbridge
Drink specials include the El Corazon Squeeze, or the non-alcoholic Monster’s Blood. If you donate your extra Halloween candy to the Treats for Troops Soldiers’ Angels candy drive, you’ll get a free kid’s entrée.
Dia De Los Muertos
Princeton Shopping Center, Princeton
The outdoor festival will include Mariachi music, traditional dancing, Mexican food and hands-on projects inspired by traditional folk art (like painting sugar skulls).
Festival de Dia de Muertos
War Memorial Park, New Brunswick
French Street will be packed with a community altar, traditional folklore dances, traditional music, a contest for Catrinas (traditional dress for Day of the Dead), storytelling, and Mexican food and drinks.
Dia de los Muertos Celebration
Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, Atlantic City
As part of the year-long programming by Prudential North to Shore, celebrate Mexican heritage through a community altar contest, live performances and music, a Catrin competition (attire), an artisan market, hands-on activities, face painting, food and a pop-up art exhibit.
Disney Pixar’s “Coco” in Concert: Live to Film
The Town Hall, New York, NY
The second annual Day of the Dead screening of Coco includes a screening of the film, with the soundtrack performed live by The Sinfonietta, an all-women orchestra, and Flor de Toloache, an all-female mariachi band. The event will also feature face painting, an interactive Ofrenda, and other activities for families before the screenings.
November 2
Calpulli Mexican Dance Company: Día de Muertos
Pfleeger Concert Hall, Rowan University, Glassboro
Mexican-American culture is presented through folk and classical music and dance.
Día de los Muertos-Themed Residency
Rowan University, Glassboro
The Calpulli Mexican Dance Company will present Mexican-American folk and classical music and dance, along with a pop-up shop, to honor the Mexican Day of the Dead holiday.
Day of the Dead Celebration
Riverview Fisk Park, Jersey City
The festival will include a giant puppet parade, a community ofrenda (altar), live Mariachi and music, traditional dance, and a community party.
November 4
Craft & Draft DIY Sugar Skull Paint Night
Newark Local Beer, Newark
Learn how to paint a 3D printed sugar skull charm that you can put on a keychain or a necklace cord. While the charm dries, kick back with a free craft beer or hard seltzer.
Editor’s Note: Always check times, dates and weather updates before heading out.
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