Día de los Muertos celebrations are taking over Toronto from Saturday, Oct. 31, through Monday, Nov. 2, with Mexican food, live music, dancing and plenty of mezcal. While the holiday officially falls on November 1 and 2, several restaurants and cultural events are getting the festivities started early, with Halloween weekend parties and gatherings honouring loved ones who have passed.
From DJ nights and traditional performances to fresh batches of pan de muerto, sugar skulls and cocktails worth raising a glass for, here’s where to celebrate Día de los Muertos in Toronto.
Mita Mita
Celebrate Día de los Muertos at this harbourfront Mexican restaurant with a special edition of its DJ Night on Saturday, Oct. 31. Expect Mexican-inspired cocktails, food and live DJ sets, with plenty of music and dancing to keep the party going. Gather your friends and dress for the occasion.
Wychwood Barns
Wychwood Barns is hosting the Toronto Día de los Muertos Collective’s 18th annual celebration, with an afternoon and evening of traditional food, live performances, original artwork and a ceremony honouring loved ones who have passed. Presented with Casa Maíz Cultural Centre, the event brings together Toronto’s Mexican community for a fun celebration of culture and tradition. Admission is a suggested $10 contribution, with seniors and children 12 and under admitted free. Space is limited, so arriving early is a good idea. Saturday, October 31, 3:30 to 10 p.m; Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie St.
La Taqueria by Mexhico
Celebrate Halloween with a Mexican twist at this Día de Muertos-inspired party on October 31, starting at 8 p.m. Expect live music, tacos, margaritas and cocktails, plus a colourful atmosphere filled with food, dancing and tradition. Costumes and masks are encouraged. 221 Spadina Ave.
Nathan Philips Square
Nathan Phillips Square is going Mexican for the day on Sunday, with a full-on Día de los Muertos celebration featuring mariachi bands, folkloric dancers, traditional food and plenty of colour. Browse the artisan market, check out the elaborate ofrendas honouring loved ones, try pan de muerto and sugar skulls or take the kids to the Calaveritas Pavilion for hands-on workshops. There’s also live music, art installations and Catrina makeup. Best of all, admission is free. Sunday, Nov. 1, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Stackt
STACKT is hosting a full day of Día de los Muertos celebrations on Sunday, November 1, with Latin food, music, art and cultural experiences taking over the market. The free, all-ages event brings the community together to honour the Mexican tradition with a lively day of food, creativity and connection.
Hart House
The University of Toronto is marking Día de los Muertos with two days of cultural performances at Hart House. On Sunday, catch an Aztec dance performance in the Great Hall, followed Monday by Tocani, a multidisciplinary music project led by Santiago “Lobo” Vega that blends pre-Hispanic sounds with contemporary Latin American influences. Both events are free to attend.
El Catrin
Mark your calendars for El Catrin’s annual Día de Muertos celebration, happening from until Nov. 2., in the Distillery District. This three-day event honours the beauty of life, bringing together food, drinks, family and friends in a vibrant tribute to those we’ve lost. Join in for feature dishes crafted by executive chef Carlos Zamora and sip on two exclusive cocktails throughout the weekend.
Mad Mexican
Join Mad Mexican for a special candlelight dinner in honour of Día de Muertos, running until Nov 1. The restaurant will be transformed into a serene sanctuary to remember loved ones. The head chef has meticulously crafted a menu featuring the flavours of the holiday season. To book your experience, simply comment “Candlelight,” and they’ll DM you the reservation link.