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Dia de los Muertos: Free Day of the Dead Events for Westchester Families

10/24/16 - By Sonia Gonzalez

Halloween is fast approaching, and while you're counting down to the big day and enjoying all the fun haunted happenings around town, why not consider adding a multicultural flair into the mix? Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is technically not a Halloween event; however, it falls right around the same time of year and shares many similar customs and themes.

This Mexican tradition may sound somber and spooky, but it’s actually a joyous time of year, meant to honor family and friends who have passed on. Revelers prepare special foods, don colorful outfits, and create alters adorned with flowers, smiling skulls (calaveras) and candles to celebrate lost loved ones. Festivities include dancing, joyful skeletons (calacas), masks, plenty of candy, skulls made out of sugar, and marigolds, the traditional flor de los muertos (flower of the dead). Day of the Dead is observed on November 1 and 2, but events are already taking place. Read on for ways to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Westchester. The best part—all events are FREE.

Looking for more things to do? Consult our Event Calendar and sign up for our newsletters. 

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Day of the Dead Workshop - White Plains
White Plains Library, 100 Martine Avenue
Tuesday, October 25, 2016; 4:30-5:30pm
FREE
Celebrate Dia de los Muertos by creating a traditional alter to honor the departed.

Mexican Day of the Dead: Folk Art Series - Pelham
Pelham Art Center, 155 Fifth Avenue
Saturday, October 29, 2016; 2:30-4:30pm
FREE
Learn about the history of Dia de los Muertos and do a related craft project, led by artist Zafiro Romero-Acevedo. 

Day of the Dead Performance & Reception - New Rochelle
Ossie Davis Theater, New Rochelle Public Library, 1 Liberty Plaza
Sunday, October 30 to Tuesday, November 1, 2016; times vary
FREE
In addition to viewing the Day of the Dead Exhibit in the library's Lumen Winter Lobby, which features traditional symbols of this ancient celebration, celebrants can create additional offrendas at a festive event in Ruby Dee Park at Library Green. There will be live music and food and craft vendors, as well as the costumed dance troupe Atl-Tlachinolli. On November 1, the Calpulli Dance Company and students will perform traditional Mexican dances in honor of Dia de los Muertos at the library. Kids will love the beautiful and colorful costumes! Performances are first come, first served, so plan to arrive early. The library exhibit will on display until November 6. 

Day of the Dead Storytime - White Plains
White Plains Library, 100 Martine Avenue
Wednesday, November 2, 2016, 7-7:45p.m.
FREE
Enjoy a Day of the Dead storytime with a craft, snack and a performance from the White Plains High School's mariachi band.

For more seasonal events, check out our Halloween Guide or visit our Event Calendar!

This was originally published October 2013 and has been updated for 2016. 

Image credit: Pixabay

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