How to Celebrate Day of The Dead 2019
Let the Mexican celebrations commence...
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Infuse your unearthly hallowed October with a little Mexican culture this year and celebrate Dia de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, as it’s widely known. The annual festival – which arises from the 16th Century Mexican belief that from 31st October to 2nd November, souls awaken from the dead to visit their relatives – will also be observed in London, from Mariachi bands playing the streets of Camden Market to a Mexican and Latin-inspired tasting menu at Chino Latino. Not sure how to get involved? Check out our guide to some of the best Dia de Muertos events taking place across the capital…
10 Things to Do in London This Week
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![Day of the Dead x Agua de Madre]()
Dia de los Muertos at Casa de Madre
Home of Agua de Madre, the delicious and healthy sparkling Mexican beverage co-founded by Nicola Hart and Sam Clark, Hackney’s Casa de Madre will be hosting a Day of the Dead fiesta combining Agua, cocktails and Calavera costumes, along with a whole host of tasty grub and Día de Muertos props get you into the festival spirit. Note: the best dressed will win an entire case of Agua de Madre!
When? 2nd November, 5 – 9pm
Where? Casa de Madre, 12 Bohemia Pl, Mare St, London E8 1DU
How? eventbrite.co.uk
Photo: Miguel Bruna
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![Brixton Market]()
Head to the Brixton Village courtyard on 2nd November for an array of tasty dishes from the culture hub’s Latin American eateries, a lesson in Mexican culture from Mariachi band Las Guadalupes, and traditional churros from Mexican restaurant Casa Morita. There will also be plenty of Calavera-style cocktails from Spanish bar Seven, as well as a playful piñata which the whole family will love!
When? 2nd November, 6.30pm until late
Where? Brixton Village, Coldharbour Ln, Brixton, London SW9 8PS
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![Harvey Nichols Patron Halloween]()
Party in the Penthouse at Harvey Nichols
Head to Harvey Nichols’ top-floor bar on 2nd November for fantastic Day of The Dead themed party comprising of cocktails, delicious tacos, tequila, music and more. The sophisticated champagne bar will also be serving up an array Día de Muertos-inspired cocktails until 3rd November, such as the ‘Corpse Revivor’, an Oxley Gin, dry vermouth, and Cointreau, concoction, and the ‘Strawberry & Orange Margarita’ mixed with Patrón Silver, Blue Curaçao, zesty lemon and orange.
When? 2nd November, 6pm – 9pm
Where? The Fifth Floor Bar, Harvey Nichols. The Day of The Dead cocktail menu will also be available in Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge, Bristol, Manchester, Edinburgh, Leeds, Dublin and Birmingham until 3rd November
How? harveynichols.com
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![Ella Canta]()
Martha Ortiz’s ‘Painted Black’ Menu at Ella Canta
Renowned chef Martha Ortiz is bringing her Mexican flair to Mayfair’s Ella Canta this month with her ‘painted black menu’ in honour of Día de Muertos. Tuck into six spectacular courses comprising of dark and delicious dishes, such as deletable seabass with onion ash powder and potato puree, and octopus with black sesame and lime, followed by a cooling hibiscus sorbet topped with playful beet and orange candy. Wash down with a pairing of Día de Muertos cocktails such as the inviting ‘Lady in Black’ margarita mixed with Patrón silver tequila.
When? 31st October to 16th November
Where? Ella Canta, One Hamilton Place, Park Ln, Mayfair, London W1J 7QY
How? ellacanta.com
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![Lourdes Villagomez]()
Patrón Tequila’s Día de Muertos
Celebrate Día de Muertos in true Mexican style with an immersive art exhibition, theatrical street performance, and Patrón Tequila cocktails at Soho’s 19 Greek Street. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind chance to explore the world-famous festival through a series of art, culture – including a tequila eduction experience! – and Mexican-inspired cocktail tasting from the iconic tequila brand.
When? 1st to 3rd November
Where? 19 Greek Street, Soho, London, W1D 4DT
How? eventbrite.com
Image: “Llora catrina” by Lourdes Villagomez – one of the Mexican artists collaborating with Patrón for Día de Muertos
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![Leicester Square Kitchen]()
Party at Leicester Square Kitchen
This Festival of the Dead-themed party at Mexican and Peruvian restaurant, Leicester Square Kitchen is the perfect way to spend your Saturday night and kick of the deathly festivities. Indulge in Tequila Patron espresso martinis and an array of moreish Mexican plates, while dancing the night away at the exclusive afterparty.
When? 2nd November 2019
Where? Leicester Square Kitchen, 31 – 36 Leicester Square, London, WC25 7LH
How? eventbrite.co.uk
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![Camden Market Dia de los Muertos]()
Camden Market’s Day of The Dead festival
From Day of the Dead-inspired art instillations, to Mexican Mariachi bands and skull mask jewellery making workshops, London’s Camden Market will be transformed into a Festival of the Dead extravaganza. Delight in traditional Day of the Dead face painting, a late night party at Cuban brasserie and bar Gabeto, and be sure to hop aboard the mini Mexican ‘floating’ market, a vibrant Xochimilco-style boat filled with delicious native delicacies.
When? 31st October to 3rd November
Where? Camden Market
How? camdenmarket.com
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Masquenada: Day of the Dead Disco Party
A Day of the Dead-themed disco? We can’t think of a better way to celebrate. Shoreditch’s trendy bar and kitchen, Rotate, has partnered with Cazcabel Tequila to host an epic dia de muertos-inspired party, with music from the likes of Sam Goes to Tokyo and a whole host of delicious Tequila-infused cocktails.
When? 1st November
Where? Rotate Shoreditch, 1 Bath Pl, Hackney, London EC2A 3DA
How? residentadvisor.net
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![FOTD DJs]()
The Dark Carnival
A Dia de Muertos celebration like no other, Festival of the Dead’s The Dark Carnival brings together circus performers, carnival processions, and late-night live music to keep the party jumping all night. Combining circus, theatre, clubbing and art, the impressive production will even feature the UK’s largest touring skeleton prop, expert face painters and epic fancy dress.
When? 12th October to 16th November
Where? Opening at the O2 Academy in Newcastle, the tour will visit Troxy in London, The Box in Amsterdam, and a whole host of other venues and destinations. Visit the website for the full tour programme.
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![Chino Latino]()
Day of the Dead Tasting Menu at Chino Latino
The ideal event for avid foodies, sophisticated Pan-Asian restaurant and Latin bar Chino Latino will be hosting a four course Day of the Dead-inspired tasting menu, featuring magnificent Mexican and Latin dishes curated by executive chef, Werner Seebach. The real pièce de résistance? A spectacular passion fruit infused cheesecake ‘skull’ adorned with edible flowers, almost too good to eat.
When? 1st to 3rd November
Where? 18 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TJ
How? chinolatino.co.uk
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![Las Iguanas]()
Halloween vs Day of the Dead at Las Iguanas
Fusing two of October’s most famed and freaky festivals, Latin American restaurant, Las Iguanas will be celebrating both Halloween and Dia de Muertos, serving up Day of the Dead cocktails – think Campari infused ‘agave fields’ and agave tequila ‘smoky margaritas’ – all throughout November, while from 26th October to 3rd November, customers will be encouraged to dress up in the halloween spirit and don their own Day of the Dead skull.
When? 26th October to 3rd November
Where? Search for your nearest Las Iguanas here.
How? iguanas.co.uk
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![Cazcabel Halloween]()
Dia De Los Muertos at The Mesmerist, Brighton
If you’re keen to escape the city for the weekend but still want to get involved with the festival celebrations, why not head to Brighton pub The Mesmerist for a game of La Loteria (Mexican bingo) and an array of specially curated Cazcabel cocktails. What’s more, the DMFA makeup academy will be offering candy skull face painting, The Black Kat Boppers will be performing vibrant live music, while DJ Soul Casserole will be providing the late-night tunes. Warning: the best dressed wins a bottle of Tequila!
When? 2nd November
Where? The Mesmerist, 1-3 Prince Albert St, Brighton BN1 1HE
How? designmynight.com
