The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is on November 1 and 2. Originating in Mexico, the celebration is observed in Mexico and by people of Mexican heritage elsewhere.

Día de los Muertos is not the same as Halloween

Many families celebrate both Halloween and Día de los Muertos.

Those who celebrate Día de los Muertos believe that at midnight on October 31, the souls of all deceased children come down from heaven and reunite with their families on November 1 (All Saints’ Day), and the souls of deceased adults come visit on November 2 (All Souls Day).

During the celebration, families make colorful altars in their homes in honor of their deceased loved ones. Altars are decorated with the four elements of nature: water, wind, fire (candles), and earth (flowers). Marigold is the traditional flower to honor the dead. It is yellow like the sun and represents life and hope.

Spending the night inside the cemetery, picnicking next to a dead family member’s grave, telling stories, and listening to music is all part of the celebration.

Celebrating Día de los Muertos

Like any special occasion in Mexico, food plays a vital role. The Día de los Muertos traditional meal often includes Mexican favorites, such as tamales, but what most people look forward to during the season are the desserts. Pan de muerto, which translates as “bread of the dead,” is one of the popular holiday treats.

Masks, costumes, face paint, skulls, and skeletons are often part of the festivities. Handmade sugar skulls are an iconic part of the holiday. 

This is a joyous holiday, not one of mourning. Many believe their deceased love ones are laughing along with them. It’s also meant to reflect on the lives of those who’ve passed on, and celebrate them. 

El Día de los Muertos

Workshop Series: Sugar Skulls

Thursday, October 17, 2024, 5 pm – 7 pm
Create your own real Sugar Skull for Dia de los Muertos with artist, Leticia Vazquez-Smith. Ages 10+. Make one in memory of someone you have lost, honor an ancestor, or just for fun. Take it home to be used as a decoration in your home or on your altar. Registration required, $20. 

Sunday, October 27, 2024, 12 pm – 3 pm 
Paint a clay skull for Dia de los Muertos with local artist, Ryan Hudson. Paint a small hand-formed skulls for your Day of the Dead decor and festivities. Each one unique, and are the perfect size for gifts or your Dia de los Muertos altar. Registration required; $20. 

400 West Rich Street Studio 248 Columbus, OH 43215

Day of the Dead Community event at Green Lawn Cemetery

Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 10 am – 6 pm
Green Lawn Cemetery hosts a big Day of the Dead Celebration. Free and open to the public, displays, cultural performers, vendors, food, music, and of course a great opportunity to learn about how Latin American cultures celebrate the lives of passed loved ones

Read more about the event.

Dia de los Muertos at the Columbus Museum of Art

Columbus Museum of Art hosts multiple Dia de los Muertos events, including a community alter. 

Community Ofrenda at CMA

October 15–November 3, 2024
An ofrenda is an altar, built to honor lost loved ones. Visitors may add a memento, photo, or word to remember and celebrate someone special from their lives.

The ofrenda was created by Renee Zamora, a Columbus artist who works with printmaking, mixed media and found objects. Artist Renee Zamora shares her story and one of her favorite parts about Dia de los Muertos, the ofrenda.

Admission is free to visit the Ofrenda. Read more, and build your own.

Community Conversation on Grief at CMA

Sunday, October 27, 2024 from 1-3 pm: Join CMA and community partners in an honest and meaningful conversation about grief, loss, healing, and the origins of Día de los Muertos. This event is free and open to the public; registration requested.

Dí­a de los Muertos Family Day: Sunday, November 3, 2024

Enjoy a day filled with celebratory activities and learn about the rich history of Día de los Muertos including a participatory community ofrenda, performances and experiences, art-making, tasty bites and more.

Admission to CMA Community Days is completely free, including general access and entry to the exhibitions. We invite visitors of all ages to cultivate creativity and connection through our diverse range of exhibitions and inspired programming. See more on the Columbus Museum of Art website.  

Dead Rave at Idea Foundry

November 2 – 3, 2024 from 10pm – 5am

Celebrate Día de los Muertos by dancing with them at the Dead Rave. Bring a picture of your beloved departed to add to the Altar. 

Experience an unforgettable night of house and tech house beats, headlined by special guest @xeliotmusic with direct support from @fearandlowemusic @noha_music @nikryan1 & @mrstrongg. Tickets are $20; ages 18+ only.

421 West State Street Columbus, OH 43215

Gente Indigena Collective’s Dia de Los Muertos Celebration

Friday, November 8, 2024, 5:00–9:00 PM
A celebration of life and death. Featuring food, music, spoken word, fire ceremony, a community alter, devotion, offerings, pictures. All ages are welcome. Details here. 

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Healthy Community Center, 1600 East Long Street

More Day of the Dead events will be added as they are announced.