Day of the Dead Family Festival

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Join us at the Horniman for a vibrant Day of the Dead Family Festival, celebrating Mexico’s most iconic cultural tradition. This event brings together live performances, craft activities, delicious food, and colourful displays for visitors of all ages.

Dressing up is encouraged to bring the fiesta atmosphere to life!

What to expect

Live music and dance

A full day of performances on the Bandstand, hosted by DJ GypsyBox, including:

  • 11am–12pm – GypsyBox DJ
  • 12pm–1pm – Colectivo Soneros del Valle with This is Mexico dance and procession
  • 1pm–2pm – Atlachinolli Aztec Dance
  • 2pm–3pm – Karina Ortiz presents Noche de Ronda – a tribute to Chavela Vargas
  • 3pm–4pm – Mariachi El Mexicano and This is Mexico procession

Family workshops

Get hands-on with activities including paper butterfly making, and skeleton and flower crown workshops.

Monarch Butterflies with El Recreo

Create your own paper monarch butterfly, the species believed to carry the souls of loved ones returning to visit during Day of the Dead. Then, add it to our collective map of migration and remembrance, tracing yours and your families’ own journeys and treasured places, inspired by the monarch’s autumn migration through North America to central Mexico.

Flower and Spirit Animal Crown Workshop

Design and create your own crown to wear during the festival, inspired by the natural symbols of Day of the Dead. Alongside traditional marigolds and other plants, incorporate spirit animals; from bats and hummingbirds to the xoloitzcuintle dog, a guide through the underworld and celebrate the deep connections between plants, animals and remembrance in Mexican tradition with your unique headpiece.
Ages 4+

Mexican market stalls

Explore a colourful Mexican market filled with crafts, jewellery, fashion, art, and design by:

  • Mexican Coffee Co.
  • Marketianguis
  • Marusa
  • David Retamero
  • JJ Unrefined
  • Mixy Fandino
  • Malinalli Arts
  • Inkas Crafts
  • Sicaru
  • Mexikitsch
  • Casañor
  • Mexican Mama
  • Alpaca Emporio
  • Atellier Zorro

Flavours of Mexico

Savour authentic Mexican street food and pan dulce from:

  • Chili Maven
  • Sweet Nibble
  • Hungry Taco
  • Tacos MX
  • La Chingada
  • MexClub
  • Cinnamon and Sugar
  • Taco Bros
  • Que Rico

Tequila experience

Enjoy tequila cocktails curated by Cazcabel Tequila, bringing the spirit of Mexico to the Horniman.

Face painting

Transform yourself with seasonal and catrina-style face painting and join in the fun.

Bouncy castles

Suitable for all ages, prices start from £3.

Community Ofrenda

Take part in a collective altar where visitors can leave photos, paper flowers, and messages to honour and remember loved ones.

Object handling

Learn more about the cultural history of Día de Muertos with objects specially selected from our museum collections.

Butterfly House

Get up close to hundreds of beautiful butterflies in our tropical indoor garden, open to festival ticket holders only at a special discounted rate, £3.50.

Animal Walk

Say hello to Chilli the goat, Eva the Alpaca and Thumper the giant rabbit as you walk between the enclosures for a close encounter with the Animal Walk’s furry and feathered residents.

Presented by the Horniman and MexiBrit

Lead image: Catalina Mesa Zamudio

Accessibility

If you have access requirements, please call 020 8699 1872 or email venuehire@horniman.ac.uk

If you are a Blue Badge holder and would like to park onsite, please see our Access page for more details.

Crowds and Seating

  • There will not be a dedicated quiet area in this event. For a quieter space please try the South Downs part of the Gardens.
  • The South Downs has a few benches and is a grassy area with limited concrete paths. This area of the Gardens also has a sloping ground and during wet weather it may not be suitable for wheelchair users or anyone who is unstable on their feet.
  • Please see the Terms and Conditions section below for more information.
  • Buggies are allowed on site, however there is no buggy park.

How do I get into the event on the day?

The Family Festival will take place in the Gardens by the Bandstand. Please enter the site via the main entrance on London Road – walk up the Avenue and you will find the ticket gate directly ahead of you. This will be the only access point for ticket holders.

Terms and Conditions

  • Parents remain responsible for their children at all times. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Tickets are non-refundable. Tickets cannot be exchanged for other Horniman activities.
  • Each member of your group must have a ticket. Pre-walking infants go free (but must also have a ticket).
  • Please be aware that events are standing / dancing with limited seating, although of course you can sit on the ground. Please give those with access needs priority to seating.
  • Please do not bring your own alcoholic drinks with you as these will be confiscated at the entrance gate. We will be running bags checks. You are welcome to bring baby food with you.
  • We may photograph or film small parts of the event and by entering, you are giving permission for these to be used by MexiBrit or the Horniman for promotional purposes.
  • This event is outside so dress appropriately for the weather on the day.
  • The event will take place whatever the weather and refunds will not be offered in the case of inclement weather.