Marigolds, a community ofrenda, calaveras, music, and giant puppets bring Día de los Muertos traditions to the New York Botanical Garden for the first time.
What to expect
The month-long celebration centers on a colorful community altar where visitors can remember loved ones. Around the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, marigolds, decorated skulls, and a flower-covered La Catrina turn the Garden into a bright celebration of memory, life, and renewal.
Weekend programming includes Mexican folk music, papel picado and silk-flower activities. The largest celebration is November 1, with wearable-art activities, dance, music, and a procession led by La Catrina, skeleton, and monarch butterfly puppets.
Good to know
- The celebration is included with the All-Garden Pass; the Grounds Access Pass does not cover all special exhibitions.
- The Día de los Muertos parade celebration runs November 1 from 1–5 PM; the procession begins at 2 PM.
- If it rains, only the November 1 procession is cancelled. The other scheduled activities continue.
- Photographs and written memories added to the community altar become part of the installation and will not be returned. Food and candles are not permitted.
- Check the official program for the dates and times of music, crafts, puppets, and dance performances.
