Overview
- Mexico City’s Zócalo Mega Ofrenda and special lighting are open through Nov. 2, with teardown to follow, while the Alebrijes exhibition on Paseo de la Reforma remains on view until Nov. 9.
- U.S. observances include Times Square’s monumental catrinas and altars through Nov. 2, extensive programming across Los Angeles venues, community altars in Chicago and a San Antonio festival running to Nov. 14.
- Some local organizers in the U.S. canceled events earlier in October, including Long Beach’s parade, citing community fears of immigration enforcement under current federal policy.
- Core rituals feature home ofrendas, cemetery visits, cempasúchil pathways, candles, pan de muerto and calaveritas, reflecting a living practice shaped by both Indigenous belief and Catholic calendars.
- Artisans report brisk seasonal demand for calaveritas de azúcar made for altars, with family-run makers in Mexico City producing by hand months in advance.