Where to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Seattle

Festivals include music, food, and colorful community altars.

A women-led mariachi band dressed in Dia de los Muertos makeup performs on stage at the Seattle Catrinas Festival

The Seattle Catrinas festival is a multi-day event with music, art, and much more.

Photo via Willy Art Work

This week, many Seattleites will be honoring lost loved ones for Dia de los Muertos (aka the Day of the Dead). The holiday originated in Mexico and is traditionally observed Oct. 31-Nov. 2.

Customs include festivals and offerings at grave sites or ofrendas (altars) at home to remember those who died.

Here’s how you can take part in Dia de los Muertos events locally.

Seattle Catrinas Festival | Thursday, Nov. 2-Sunday, Nov. 5 | You may have already seen the giant calaveras sculptures that were on display downtown and will be moved inside to Town Hall. There will also be activities like Mexican Bingo, mariachi, and a magic show.

El Centro de La Raza | Saturday, Nov. 4 | Enjoy food, a mercado, live music, and an ofrenda that will remain on display through Friday, Nov. 17.

Phinney Center | Saturday, Nov. 4 | Make paper flowers, listen to Folklórico bands, and bring photos for the community altar created by local poet Raul Sanchez.

More from SEAtoday
The 16th annual edition of Small Business Saturday falls on November 29 — the perfect time to help you add a local sparkle into your holiday shopping.
Over the next 10 days, we’re launching a reader-driven campaign to sustain what we do best.
Spoiler alert: Traffic isn’t great. We dove into the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s congestion data so you don’t have to.
Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.
Grab your biggest buckets — these Seattle neighborhoods offer the best treats, no tricks needed.
Here’s the deal — the thrift and vintage shopping scene in Seattle has great finds. These are your must-see stops for a perfect haul.
There’s never been a better time to support locally owned-pharmacies.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Reach your local community with our help.
Consider these our Hollywood signs.