Day of the Dead Family Festival
With an expanded daytime capacity, guests will journey through beautifully decorated festival spaces inspired by Xochimilco, Coyoacán and the Centro Histórico, featuring colourful papel picado, marigold pathways, giant calaveras, traditional ofrendas and installations celebrating the spirit of Día de Muertos.
The day begins with Journey to Mictlán, a spectacular opening ceremony featuring Aztec dancers and musicians leading a ceremonial procession inspired by the Mexica underworld, welcoming visitors into the festival.
Throughout the day, enjoy a vibrant programme of live performances including Mariachi, folkloric dance, walking musicians, traditional characters, stilt performers and a Sonidero DJs recreating the iconic street party culture of Mexico City. The Sunken Gardens will host contemporary dance performances exploring themes of memory, migration and identity.
Families can take part in a packed programme of creative activities including mask-making, storytelling inspired by Mexican legends, face painting, children’s performances, interactive games and a Día de Muertos discovery trail.
Visitors can also contribute to a community ofrenda, honouring loved ones while learning about one of Mexico’s most cherished traditions.
A curated market presented by MexiBrit will showcase independent Mexican and Latin American businesses offering artisan crafts, homeware, textiles, jewellery, contemporary Mexican design, pan dulce, Mexican coffee and authentic street food.
Tickets: Adult £8, Child £6. Under 2s free. Advance booking required.
The Day of the Dead Family Festival is presented in partnership with MexiBrit.
Lead image: Catalina Mesa Zamudio
Accessibility
If you have access requirements, please call 020 8699 1872 or email events@hornimnan.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. Under 2s 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.
- Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome to join.
- 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.