If you’re looking for a way to celebrate el Día de Los Muertos in Atlanta, you’re in luck! We’ve got tons of festivals and happenings to celebrate, honor and have some fun on this beautiful holiday! Keep scrolling to learn about Day of the Dead and where to celebrate!
What is El Día De Los Muertos?
El Día de los Muertos, or, The Day of the Dead, in English, is a Mexican holiday celebrating the one day every year that the barrier between the spirit world and the physical world dissolves, and lost loved ones can visit the living. On this day, families remember loved ones who have passed away with altars full of marigolds, the deceased’s favorite foods, drinks and photographs! They also use beautifully decorated Calaveras, or decorated skulls, usually made of sugar to adorn their altars and spaces!
Día de los Muertos is by no means a sad holiday, however. It’s a day of celebration of life and the lives lived by passed loved ones.
There are lots of festivals happening in Atlanta to celebrate the Day of the Dead, so you can get in on the celebration!
1. Atlanta Symphony Hall, Midtown
Where: Woodruff Arts Center | 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
When: Saturday, November 2, 2024, beginning at 12:00pm
This free, family-friendly celebration will honor the Day of the Dead with live mariachi performances, balle Folklórico, stilt walkers, face-painting stations, altar exhibitions, traditional Mexican games, and so much more! There will be food trucks and drinks also available!
As always, the Atlanta Symphony Hall will have a performance of dancing skeletons and music to celebrate life. Admission to the performances requires a ticket, even though the festival itself is free for all!
For more information, visit their website!
2. Oakland Cemetery, Grant Park
Where: Oakland Cemetery | 248 Oakland Avenue Southeast Atlanta, GA 30312
When: Sunday, November 3rd from 12pm – 5pm
In partnership with the Consulate General of Mexico in Atlanta and the Institute of Mexican Culture, the Oakland Cemetery is hosting a Day of the Dead festival that is open and free to the public!
The festival will include traditional entertainment, like street performers, dancing, music, face painting, and so much more! There will also be Mexican food vendors, and displays of the ofrendas, or the traditional Mexican altars for all to view!
Dressing up for the occasion is encouraged! At the end of the festival, there will also be a Day of the Dead costume contest with a cash prize for best costume!
For more information, check out their website!3. Roswell City Hall, Roswell
Where: Roswell Cultural Arts Center | 38 Hill St, Roswell, GA
When: Saturday, October 26th, from 3pm – 7pm
This fifth annual Day of the Dead Festival is headed back to Roswell! Attendees can expect a traditional Day of the Dead celebration with Mexican food, Aztec and Folklórica dancers, Bi-lingual puppet show, and a mariachi band… along with tons of other fun happenings! There will also be plenty of opportunities to make or visit the altar of a passed love one to honor them!
4. Haints and Saints & Day of the Dead Parade, Decatur
Where: Decatur Cemetery | 229 Bell St, Decatur, GA
When: –
5. Lawrenceville Arts Center, The Aurora Theatre
Address: 125 N Clayton St, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Time: Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 12pm
The Aurora Theatre is hosting their annual Festival del Día de Los Muertos! Their celebration is a cultural tradition full of color, music, food, and dance.
Attendees can expect performances from a professional tapetero from Guanajuato, Mexico, compete in a Catrina competition, and more There will also be Mexican vendors and food and drink! This event is fun for the whole family!
Celebrate El Día De Los Muertos in Atlanta!