A traditional Mexican holiday of celebration and tribute to loved ones who have passed on, Día de los Muertos – or Day of the Dead – is fast approaching. And Miami has some big festivities planned. From giant skulls to face painting and special cocktails, here are a handful of ways to celebrate the holiday, which commences each year on October 31 through November 2.
1. Celebrate with a magical candlelight concert
Sit back and take in classics from Candlelight: Día De Los Muertos: Celebrating the Day of the Dead in flickering candlelight. For one night only, popular Oaxacan songs like “La Martiniana” and “Remember Me” from the film Coco will be performed by a talented string quartet at Savor Cinema Fort Lauderdale. Click here to get tickets to the concert taking place November 1st.
Where: 503 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
2. Check out CityPlace Doral’s vibrant skull decor
CityPlace Doral is adorned in painted skulls, colorful banners, marigolds and more throughout its center. But the installation is not just for show. On Saturday, November 2, they’ll be celebrating their annual Día de los Muertos event with everything from face painting and food sampling to performances by folkloric dancers. The celebration will run from 6 to 9 p.m. and everyone’s encouraged to dress in theme! Read more.
Where: 8300 NW 36th St, Doral, FL 33166
3. Join the annual Florida Day of the Dead Festival
Did you know that the biggest Day of the Dead Festival is actually held in Fort Lauderdale? This year’s celebration will take place Saturday, November 2, and begin at Esplanade Park. There will be talented artists, giant puppets, mariachi musicians, craft activities, folkloric showcases, Latin American food trucks and so much more!
Find event details on their website here.
4. Take a Mexican culinary journey at Toro Toro
Chef Richard Sandoval is once again bringing his immersive Día de los Muertos culinary celebration to Toro Toro. Running through November 3rd, the Pan-Latin steakhouse is featuring a menu of specials with a cultural significance to the celebration, including Black Enmoladas, Chile Ancho Relleno, Empanadas de Langosta and Filete en Salsa Negra.
Toro Toro will also feature specialty cocktails like the Papel Picado Paloma – Gran Malo tequila, Giffard Créme de Violette, agave syrup, lime juice, red wine and grapefruit soda with a hibiscus salt rim, and a Marigold Margarita – Reposado tequila, tonic, Marigold simple syrup and fresh lime juice with a tajin rim.
Where: 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami, FL 33131
5. Find a six-foot-tall skull made entirely of flowers at Downtown Doral
If you’re looking for a vibrant celebration, visit Downtown Doral on November 2 to meet Flora, a mesmerizing six-foot-tall skull made of flowers! She’ll be there for the annual Días De Los Muertos Festival from 5 to 8 p.m. where you’ll get to interact and take photos with dancing catrinas, collect delicious treats, listen to mariachis and enjoy special offerings.
Where: 8551 NW 53rd St, Doral, FL 33166
6. Enjoy all-you-can-eat at this indulgent buffet at Cantina Beach
Cantina Beach, the oceanfront Mexican restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, is celebrating el Día de los Muertos on Saturday, November 2nd, with a buffet priced at $65 per adult and $32 per child. Highlights include Tacos Al Pastor, Conchita Pibil Tacos, Baja Shrimp Tacos, an Elote Station, Churros, Tres Leches and much more. Other event highlights include a Mayenda Blanco featured Tequila Station, DJ, face painting and more!
Where: 455 Grand Bay Drive, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
7. Celebrate with a themed brunch at Sexy Fish
Sunday funday, am I right? On November 3rd, Sexy Fish invites guests to indulge in an exquisite brunch offering that includes an endless buffet of seafood, exquisite desserts, champagne packages and handcrafted specialty cocktails while enjoying the sounds of a live Latin band. The Día De Los Muertos themed brunch runs from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Where: 1001 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33130
8. Take the little ones to this Día de los Muertos concert
The New World Symphony is putting on Concert for Kids: Día de los Muertos on Sunday, November 3, at the New World Center. Bring the family along to this festive celebration — made for little ones ages 4 to 9 in mind. Make sure to wear your Halloween costume, face paint or flower crown and arrive early for hands-on activities and mariachi music from Sol de Oro. The festivities begin at 11:30 a.m.
Where: 500 17th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139
9. Have all the tacos your heart desires for $18.95
Calle Ocho staple Taquerias El Mexicano will be serving up all-you-can-eat tacos for just $18.95 on November 1st and 2nd. In celebration of Día de los Muertos, face painting sessions will also be offered and after indulging in tacos, head upstairs to Los Altos speakeasy for a margarita and a festive and spooky celebration.
Where: 521 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33130
10. Imbibe on the Day of the Dead at Joia Beach
The best way to celebrate Día de los Muertos is with your toes in the sand! This Saturday, November 2, the beach club will don spooky decor for dinner service and a special partnership with Don Julio. Visitors can sip on the limited-edition Lost Explorer Mezcal served in a sugar skull mug, enjoy live entertainment and dine on a curated European-inspired menu.
Where: 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL 33132