Saturday, October 27, and Sunday, October 28, 10 AM–5 PM

Bring the whole family to participate in activities including dance performances, artist demonstrations, the unique art of sawdust carpets, coloring activities, and paper marigold and mask making. Visitors are also invited to leave photos and mementos of their loved ones on the ofrenda (altar), or commemorate them by writing their names on a butterfly and attaching it to the memorial arch.

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a time for commemorating our ancestors. Rather than a period of mourning, it is an occasion for celebrating with family—both living and dead—and appreciating and honoring the cycle of life and death.

Performances by Grupo los Tecuanes

Performances begin at 11 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, and 3:30 PM

The name of the Danza de los Tecuanes (Dance of the Jaguar) is rooted in the Mixtec understanding of the duality of life and death and the fight of good against evil. The Danza de los Viejitos (Dance of the Old Men) is a humorous dance featuring dancers colorfully dressed as old men.

​​​​​​​The Xoloitzcuintli: Ancient Dog Breed to Movie Celebrity with Folklorist Cynthia Vidaurri

Presentation begins at 2:30 PM

The xoloitzcuintli, commonly referred to as the Mexican Hairless Dog, is an ancient dog breed deeply ingrained in the cosmologies of Mexico’s original peoples. Believed to be companions in life; and in the afterlife, xolos guided souls to their final resting place. The breed’s recent comeback from the verge of extinction and its introduction to mainstream popular culture through a character named Dante in the Disney/Pixar animated film Coco has solidified its celebrity status. Museum folklorist Cynthia Vidaurri will discuss the breed’s recognition as a symbol of cultural patrimony and of Mexico City, along with other aspects of the evolution of the Day of the Dead.