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Día de los Muertos en Atlanta

Celebrate Day of the Dead in Atlanta

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A couple dressed as elaborate sugar skulls for Dia de los Muertos, adorned with flowers in Atlanta, Georgia.
Catrinas and catrines are an important part of Día de Muertos festivities. (Photo courtesy of Historic Oakland Foundation)

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

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 displayed, 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 are opportunities to participate in the festivities. 

Day of the Dead at Oakland Cemetery 

A group of people dressed in colorful, elaborate costumes for a Day of the Dead celebration in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dress up and celebrate Día de Muertos at Oakland Cemetery. (Photo courtesy of Historic Oakland Foundation)

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. 2. 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 deceased 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. 2, noon to 5 p.m.
Where: Oakland Cemetery

Woodruff Arts Center

Hispanic Heritage Month
Folkloric dances are part of Day of the Dead celebrations.  (Photo by Matthew Grimes/Atlanta Braves)

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is hosting a day of fun, music and culture for the family. The free festival will include live music, traditional dancers, ofrendas, stilt walkers, photo booths, food trucks and a children’s area. ASO violinist Juan R. Ramírez-Hernández will perform. There will be a horse exposition, dance from Grupo Folklorico Itzamatul. Actors from Alliance Theatre will perform excerpts from the upcoming show “Basura.” And there will be storytelling.

When: 11:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Nov. 1
Where: Woodruff Arts Center

Superica Celebrates Day of Dead

Superica will offer a selection of cocktail specials in honor of the Day of Dead from Oct. 27 to  Nov. 2. On the menu: the Morgue-rita (O.G. margarita with activated charcoal and Tajin salt garnish); the Devil’s Margarita (featuring a blood red wine floater); Sugar Skull (think: elevated tequila lemon drop); and Vampire Weekend (house-made horchata with The Kraken spiced rum and ground cinnamon).

Where: 99 Krog St., Atlanta; 3850 Roswell Road, Buckhead; and locations in Alpharetta and The Batter.

Día de Muertos Fest: Immersive Cultural Experience 

A vibrant table setting with marigold flowers, sugar skulls, and traditional Mexican foods in Atlanta, Georgia.
Pan de Muerto is a key element of an altar during Day of the Dead festivities.

The Día de Muertas celebration at Plaza Las Americas honors loved ones who have passed with vibrant traditions including altars, marigolds, music, dance and traditional foods. It’s a beautiful tribute to life, memory and cultural heritage.

When: Nov. 1-2 
Where: Plaza Las Americas, 733 Pleasant Hill Road, Lilburn 

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.

Celebrate Day of the Dead in Atlanta

Daniela Cintrón is an award-winning journalist, editor, and producer passionate about storytelling at the intersection of food, art, and culture. She is the content manager and bilingual editor for Discover Atlanta and contributes to publications like the Los Angeles Times, Atlanta Magazine and Eater.

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