2026 Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Community Ofrenda

Inspired by the Mexican/Latin American tradition of the Día de los Muertos altar, or ofrenda, this community project will invite residents to come down to 25 Exchange Street on November 1st to remember loved ones, learn about the tradition, contribute art and memories, and reflect on the many ways communities experience grief and maintain connections across generations.

An ofrenda is a traditional altar set up during Día de los Muertos to honor and remember deceased loved ones. It is lovingly decorated with marigold flowers, candles, photos, and personal items or favorite foods of the departed. Rather than a site of mourning, the ofrenda serves as a welcoming space meant to guide the spirits of ancestors back home to celebrate with the living.

The day’s festivities kick off with Mariachi Brunch Pop-Ups from across participating downtown dining locations, including La Copa Cafe, April’s Restaurant, Estefani’s Restaurant, and The Blue Ox from 10am to 12pm. Diners can enjoy a visit from a local mariachi band and face painting.

From 12 to 2:30 PM, the community is invited to the Community Gallery at 25 Exchange Street for a free Community Ofrenda event. Come add a drawing or message to the altar to honor a loved one, or get creative and make paper marigolds (cempasúchil) and other traditional crafts like papel picado.

A free screening of Disney Pixar’s Coco will be held at 2:30 PM just down the hall at 25 Exchange Street in The Vault Theater.

This event is a collaboration between Lynn Main Streets, Millennium Latino Project, RAW Art Works, and Cojuelos’ Productions.

This community event is made possible through the collaboration of local organizations and local businesses: