Observed on November 1 and 2, Día de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday that celebrates the return of souls of the dead as they reunite with their living loved ones. Whether you want to learn more about the holiday or celebrate with a party and a drink, you can do so with these six Día de los Muertos events in Northern Virginia and DC.
Día de los Muertos Family Day
October 28, 11:30 a.m.
Join the Smithsonian American Art Museum for an afternoon of music, dance, crafts, and cultural activities. Watch a traditional Mexican folk dance and a mariachi performance. Different music genres and dances will be performed. There will be face painting and a Día de los Muertos scavenger hunt in the museum. Smithsonian American Art Museum: Eighth and G streets NW, Washington, DC, americanart.si.edu, free but tickets required
Day of the Dead Costume Cocktail Class
October 30, 6–8 p.m.
The staff at Rosa Mexicano is teaching patrons to create its famous margaritas. Guests will much on snacks as they craft four margaritas, including Blood Orange Sunrise, Spicy Cucumber, Mezcalrita, and Paloma. There will be a costume contest for the best Dia de los Muertos-inspired outfits. Rosa Mexicano: 1100 S. Hayes St., Arlington; $65
Día de los Muertos Celebration
November 1, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Take the family into DC for a Day of the Dead celebration. Spend the afternoon learning about the significance of the holiday and making traditional crafts as festive tunes fill the area. Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library: 3310 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC; free
Día de los Muertos Celebration
November 1, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Enjoy a beautiful evening picnic at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Grab dinner from nearby food trucks and spend the night celebrating Mexican culture with art, a traditional mariachi band, and other family-friendly activities. Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington: 3550 Wilson Blvd., Arlington; free
DIY Sugar Skull Planters
November 1, 6–7 p.m.
Create your own one-of-a-kind holiday decoration. Not only will the planter serve as a beautiful accent, but the sugar skull symbol represents those departed loved ones. This event is for teens, adults, and seniors. James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library: 2501 Commonwealth Ave., Alexandria; free
Black Tie Day of the Dead Fiesta
November 4, 8:30–11:45 p.m.
Don your black tie (or masquerade) best for this late-night party. The traditional mariachi ensemble and DJ will help keep the party and dancing going all night long. The open bar will feature Mexican beers, wine, and tequila. The space will feature a magnificent Day of the Dead altar and several floors of murals representing Mexican culture. Mexican Cultural Institute: 2829 16th St. NW, Washington, DC; $135
Feature image by Eve Orea/stock.adobe.com
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