Culture, food, music, dancing, traditional crafts workshops and more await at the New York City Day of the Dead Festival in Staten Island!

The festival begins with the construction of two ofrendas, or altars for the returning souls. A communal ofrenda is constructed where visitors may place flowers and artifacts related to their deceased loved ones. Participants bring photos, the favorite drink or food of their loved ones, or possessions with special meaning to them.

The second ofrenda is constructed by a family in the community to show the traditions of the region of Mexico where they originate. This year the regional ofrenda will represent the states of Hidalgo, Veracruz, Oaxaca, Guerrero and Mexico City.

Learn about the art of papel picado, the colorful, intricate cut tissue paper that adorns home altars and cemeteries in Mexico. Make your own papel picado, calacas (skeleton puppets), and marigold flowers. The family-fun traditional paper art workshops are led by teaching artist Tamara Geisler, Irma Bohórquez-Geisler and Silvia Gutierrez.

Traditional live music, including Mariachi, and a variety of traditional dances will be performed.