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 Open Air: Celebrating Día De Los Muertos 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 Jungle Island. Click here to get tickets to the concert on November 2.
Where: 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL 33132
2. See a six-foot-tall skull made entirely of flowers at Downtown Doral
If you’re looking for a vibrant celebration, visit Downtown Doral on October 28 to meet Flora, a mesmerizing six-foot-tall skull made of flowers! She’ll be there for their second annual Días De Los Muertos Festival on Saturday, October 28, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. where you’ll get to interact and take photos with live catrinas, collect delicious treats, listen to mariachis and enjoy special offerings from several restaurants.
Where: 8551 NW 53rd St, Doral, FL 33166
3. Check out CityPlace Doral’s vibrant skull decorations
CityPlace Doral is adorned in painted skulls, colorful banners, marigolds and more throughout its center. But the installation is not just for show. On Thursday, 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!
Where: 8300 NW 36th St, Doral, FL 33166
4. Join the annual Florida Day of the Dead Festival
The biggest Day of the Dead Festival is actually held in Fort Lauderdale! This year’s celebration will take place Saturday, November 4, beginning in Esplanade Park. There will be talented artists, mariachi musicians, craft activities (mask and puppet-making and sugar skull face painting), Aztec and Mayan performers, folkloric showcases, skeleton puppets, Latin American food trucks and so much more!
Where: 32 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
5. 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 now through November 5th, the Pan-Latin chophouse & bar is featuring a menu of specials with a cultural significance to the celebration, including Filete en Mole Negro with beef tenderloin, housemade Mole Negro, Heirloom carrots, Butternut squash purée, marigold and microgreens; and Carmelized Pumpkin Crema made with pumpkin custard, carmelized pepitas, marigolds and Cinnamon ice cream. Toro Toro will have specialty cocktails like the Blood Orange Margarita.
Where: 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami, FL 33131
6. Imbibe on the Day of the Dead at Chotto Matte
Toast to the occasion and head over to Chotto Matte to indulge in its Day of the Dead Cocktail, featuring flavors from El Ramo Immortal aged rum, dry vermouth, banana cordial, elderflower, lime and Peychaud’s bitters. But hurry because this boozy cocktail will only be available from October 30 to November 5.
Where: 1666 Lenox Ave. #1664, Miami Beach, FL 33139
7. Sip on delicious cocktails at KoKo and Bakan
The two authentic Mexican restaurants — KoKo and Bakan — will be offering a Día De Los Muertos-inspired cocktail for guests named Verde Que Te Quiero Verde. The drink is a colorful twist on a classic margarita, served in a skull-shaped glass, and made with fresh cilantro, fresh squeezed lemon, triple sec and home-made simple syrup.
KoKo location: 2856 Tigertail Ave, Miami, FL 33133
Bakan location: 2801 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127
8. Have 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 Friday, November 3rd, with a buffet priced at $65 per person. It features Tacos Al Pastor, Conchita Pibil Tacos, Baja Shrimp Tacos, Elote, Churros, Tres Leches and much more. Other event highlights include a Mayenda Blanco featured Tequila Station, DJ, face painting and more!
Where: 605 Ocean Dr, Miami, FL 33149