Día de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday celebrated the first two days in November that commemorates lost loved ones with colorful ofrendas (altars), calacas (skeletons), calaveras (skulls), spoken word performances, food and more.
Families in metro Detroit and Ann Arbor celebrate this holiday at a ton of community events and in a wide variety of different ways. Here, we’ve rounded up some great Day of the Dead events for 2022.
Plus, for families that don’t want to venture out, we have some fun crafts and traditional recipes for you to try with your kids.
Local Events and Activities
During Día de los Muertos, families traditionally fill the day with dancing and meetings at their loved ones’ grave sites, but there are plenty of local groups that host events to commemorate the day, too.
Here is a selection of some of 2022 options:
Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos
Sept. 24-Nov. 6, 2022
- Address: Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: Free with general admission
The DIA and the Mexican Consulate of Detroit partner to put on this display, which features ofrendas altars created by members of the community.
Los Muertos Viven! in Downtown Mount Clemens
Oct. 15, 2022
- Address: 90 Macomb Place, Mount Clemens
- Cost: Free admission
Come to downtown Mount Clemens to celebrate Pop’s last big event. There will be live entertainment, food trucks, more than 30 vendors, face paint, costume contests and more.
Day of the Dead Trivia
Oct. 18, 2022
- Address: Northville District Library, 212 W. Cady St., Northville
- Cost: Free
Children in grades 3-5 will be able to test their knowledge of the traditional Mexican holiday to win a prize. All participants will take home a craft kit, too. Registration required.
Día de los Muertos Celebration
Oct. 29, 2022
- Address: Robert C. Valade Park, 2670 Atwater St., Detroit
- Cost: Free
Celebrate Dia de los Muertos on the Detroit Riverfront. This family-friendly event features live music, food, ballet folklórico, vendors, children’s activities and more.
Dia de los Muertos Skate
Nov. 1, 2022
- Address: United Skates of America, 1419 Southfield Road, Lincoln Park
- Cost: $4.50/admission, $4.50/skate rental, $6.50/rollerblade rental
Celebrate Dia de los Muertos at a skating event with special treats and a makeup contest for the best sugar skull makeup.
Candlelight Día De Los Muertos: Celebrating the Day of the Dead
Nov. 3, 2022
- Address: Masonic Temple, 500 Temple St., Detroit
- Cost: $35
Enjoy a candlelight concert to celebrate Día De Los Muertos in the Masonic Temple’s Crystal Ballroom. For ages 8 and older.
Día de los Muertos Celebration
Nov. 5, 2022
- Address: Clarkston Independence District Library, 6495 Clarkston Road, Clarkston
- Cost: Free
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with traditional foods, crafts and a showing of The Book of Life. Registration required.
The décor
Traditional Day of the Dead celebrations include blue, pink, red, yellow, orange and other brightly colored sugar skulls, skeletons, flowers (particularly marigolds), an array of garlands and more.
You can purchase Day of the Dead decorations in most big box stores or on Etsy, but you can also make your own traditional décor. Pinterest is full of great ideas. Some of our favorites include:
You can also build your own Día de Mueros Ofrenda with this step-by-step guide from Tejas Made.
The food
Like many Mexican families, your family probably has recipes for traditional pan de muerto, tamales and other signature Day of the Dead dishes, but if you’re looking to mix things up this year, Food and Wine, Growing Up Bilingual, Delish and other blogs offer some delish Day of the Dead ideas. Some standouts include Candied Pumpkin and Oaxacan Hot Chocolate, Guatamalan Molletes, Day of the Dead Cookies and Margarita Punch.
This post was originally published in 2020 and is updated regularly.
