New York City Day of the Dead Festival in Staten Island.
The annual New York City Day of the Dead Festival in Staten Island is free and open to the public.
The festival begins with the construction of two ofrendas (altars). 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 state of Oaxaca.
In hands-on traditional crafts workshops, children and their families will make skeleton puppets, papel picado (colorful cut-paper decoration), and marigold flowers. The workshops will be led byTamara Geisler and Silvia Gutierrez.
Traditional live music, including Mariachi, and a variety of traditional dances will be performed.
All are welcome to participate. You don’t have to be Mexican or Hispanic to come to this community festival and learn more about the significance of this event.
Without our sponsors, the New York City Day of the Dead Festival in Staten Island would not be possible. We thank you for your support!
The New York City Day of the Dead Festival is FREE and Open to the Public and fully accessible to persons using wheelchairs.
