Celebrate Day of the Dead in Atlanta

By Daniela Cintron

Published October 29, 2024
Last Updated October 31, 2024

Day of the Dead is one of Mexico’s largest celebrations honoring the life of those who have passed away. It’s an ancient Aztec custom that celebrates life where dead ancestors are the guests of honor. It’s like a joyful family reunion.

The Día de Muertos celebrations include music, colorful calaveras and calacas, sugar skulls, flowers and all the things that remind families of their ancestors. Vibrant altars are placed, folkloric dances are danced and traditional foods like “pan de muerto” are shared. 

Despite being a Mexican tradition, the celebration takes place all over Latin America and the United States. Atlanta’s diverse communities share the tradition with friends and neighbors as an important piece of culture. 

Here you will find many opportunities to partake in the festivities. 

Day of the Dead at Oakland Cemetery 

The traditional Day of the Dead festival hosted by the Consulate General of Mexico and the Institute of Mexican Culture will take place at the iconic Oakland Cemetery on Nov. 3. Visitors of all ages will learn about and experience a Day of the Dead festival through traditional activities such as folkloric dances, crafts, food and altars honoring lost family and friends. Dress up for the occasion and participate in the Catrinas and Catrines contest for adults and kids. Registration will take place on the day of the festival. 

When: Nov. 3, noon to 5 p.m.
Where: Oakland Cemetery

Muertos Movie Night

Home Depot Backyard’s annual Fall-O-Ween Festival features Dia de los Muertos Movie Night on Friday, Nov. 1. With a live mariachi band, traditional dance performances, food trucks, cultural crafts and vendors, this free event gives the whole family a way to celebrate the Day of the Dead. Come and watch a movie right next to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

When: Nov. 1 from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Where: Home Depot Backyard

Dia de Los Muertos at Chicheria Mexican Kitchen

Starting on Oct. 21, Chicheria Mexican Kitchen, located at The Works, dresses for the occasion with vibrant Dia de Muertos decorations. From Nov. 1-3, the restaurant will host a variety of themed specials and events, including exclusive drink offerings, a face painter and costume contests every day. Stop by for the holiday fun and stay cool with a pomegranate or blood orange margarita.

Where: 202 Chattahoochee Row
When: Nov. 1-3

The Woodruff Arts Center

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is hosting a weekend of fun, music and culture for the family. The free festival will include live music, Ballet Folklorico performances, altar exhibitions and more. Traditional Mexican food will be available for purchase from local food trucks, and activities such as Mexican games will offer entertainment for the whole family. Atlanta Symphony Orchestra violinist Juan R. Ramirez will perform with Mariachi Pepe Lopez at 1 pm. The event is open to the public. 

When: Nov. 2 at noon
Where: Woodroof Arts Center

Celebrate at Ponce City Market

Sip on a cup of Mexican coffee while enjoying Mexican traditional dance performances by Danceando Promotions at Ponce City Market. Enjoy pan de muerto, create beautiful flower crowns and get festive with face painting. The celebration will take place on the second floor between Elk Head Clothing and Glad & Young, with an altar right next to Bar Vegan.

When: Nov. 1, noon-4 p.m.
Where: Ponce City Market

All Weekend Celebration at Halidom Eatery

Halidom Eatery will be celebrating Dia de Muertos all weekend at the Miami-style food hall. On Saturday, a low-rider car show hosted by Krazy Vatos will make its appearance for the majority of the day. Shop at the Social Me Out Market, eat at one of the many food vendors from all over the world and enjoy your day at the rhythms of the DJ. Kids. Participate in a costume contest and burn off all the energy at the bounce house. On Sunday, come to Halidom Eatery for trick or treat and sugar skull face painting. The options for fun are endless at the food hall, all day long, all weekend.

When: Nov. 2-3, all day
Where: Halidom Eatery

Día de Muertos Fest: Immersive Cultural Experience 

When the passageway between the living and dead opens, Plaza Las Americas hosts a cultural celebration to become the portal for souls to commune with their loved ones. Throughout the four days, attendees can celebrate and remember the lives of those who have passed. The festivities include a light show and video experience that transports you into the colorful land of the dead. Displays of larger-than-life skulls will make the perfect picture opportunity while activities like the Calaveras Literarias Workshop (poetry writing workshop) offer a chance to explore the culture of the Day of the Dead celebration in the most authentic way.

When: Nov. 1-3 
Where: Plaza Las Americas, 733 Pleasant Hill Road, Lilburn 

Vivan los Muertos

Casi Cielo invites you to dine with the afterlife. Dress up, get your face painted and join the big celebration. Reservations are highly encouraged for the Día de los Muertos celebration in Sandy Springs. The evening will include a live DJ, Mexican street food and lots of specialty cocktails crafted just for the occasion.

Where: Casi Cielo, 6125 Roswell Road
When: Nov. 2

Celebrate Día de Muertos throughout Atlanta. Check out our calendar of events and stay up to date on opportunities to live and learn the traditions.

Born and raised in Mexico, Daniela is a bilingual journalist living in Atlanta. She is passionate about telling stories that highlight the diversity and the blooming gastronomic scene in Atlanta.