Bring a Loved One's Photo to an East Village Day of the Dead Altar
Leave photos and letters on a shared ofrenda, shop Mexican folk art, and join an afternoon craft session at St. Mark's.
🕯️ Three Days at St. Mark's
🌼 A Public Ofrenda
Mano a Mano, a Mexican cultural organization, sets up a public ofrenda outdoors at St. Mark's Church-in-the-Bowery for three days, from Friday, October 30 through Sunday, November 1. The altar honors loved ones who have died, and visitors are invited to bring unframed, unlaminated copies of photos, notes and letters to place among the marigolds and candles. Admission is free.
🎨 Folk Art and Craft Hour
Beyond the altar, a marketplace sets out traditional Mexican folk art and food for sale, while papel picado, marigolds and painted skulls cover the ofrenda itself. Art making workshops run from 2 PM to 3 PM each day, where participants make crafts and small trinkets tied to the holiday. On Saturday, October 31, a 3 PM concert brings Guadalupe Peraza, Cheo Pardo and Stefan Paolini to the grounds, along with a preview of Mexamorphosis. Bring some spending money for the market, and leave time to look at the altar up close before or after the workshop.
🗓️ Hours, Entry and Fit
The celebration runs from noon to 5 PM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 131 East 10th Street, at Second Avenue in the East Village. Entry is free, and free registration is available through the organizer for anyone who wants to sign up ahead. The event is outdoors and runs rain or shine, though organizers may cancel in dangerous weather. It suits families, neighbors honoring someone they lost, and anyone curious about the holiday.
