[title]
As the evenings darken and carved pumpkins leer out onto gloomy London streets, it’s hard to forget that Halloween is almost here. But the day after this city’s annual frightfest is another macabre celebration that's growing in popularity year on year.
Mexico’s Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a more sombre occasion, rooted in Aztec tradition, when families gather to mark their departed friends and forebears. It’s believed that the souls of the dead return to visit the living, so that means it’s time to welcome the spirits with altars, brightly coloured marigolds and candles, special foods and drinks, and a celebratory atmosphere that shows how closely entwined life and death really are.
RECOMMENDED: The best Halloween parties in London
Now, this Mexican festival has become increasingly popular the world over, with people falling for its flamboyantly colourful parades, its famous sugar skulls given as gifts, or for eerie, sharply dressed skeleton La Catrina. Day of the Dead celebrations are popping up all over London this weekend: here’s where to discover its fascinating, delicious, and faintly terrifying traditions.
1. Sample Mexican-inspired bakes at TOAD Bakery
The gigantic queues outside TOAD Bakery are a testament to the next-level flavours you’ll find inside. And this weekend, there’s an extra reason to join them. TOAD is whipping up Mexican-inspired creations including tamale croissants and two kinds of pan de muerto: and if you buy one, you’ll get a free Paloma cocktail made with Espolòn tequila. Skeleton decorations and spooky murals will add to the buzzing atmosphere – turn up early to make sure you get your hands on the goods.
Peckham Road, SE5 8PX. Oct 31-Nov 1. Prices vary.
2. Try cocktails from the birthplace of Day of the Dead traditions
Day of the Dead traditions began in the hills of Sahuayo, Michoacán: also the home of Zacal mezcal. Discover its smoky flavours at this Day of the Dead night at Soho’s Dram Bar, where Edinburgh cocktail experimentalists Panda & Sons will be putting it to work in a special menu of tipples. This Monday night event will also offer music and bar games to keep the big spooky weekend vibes flowing right into next week.
Dram Bar, WC2H 8LZ. Nov 2. Free.
3. Step into a surreal Mexican artscape at Sketch
This autumn, Sketch is getting a vibrantly hued makeover. Blue prickly pears, intricate cut-out flags and rustic baskets are springing up in its entrance and reception, straight from the world of Mestiz, the studio of Mexican designer Daniel Valero. Visit on Fridays and you can take the Mexican adventure one step further. On special PATRÓN nights, the tequila brand will introduce guests to Latin DJs, bespoke cocktails and Mexican-inspired canapés. Perfect for celebrating Day of the Dead in arty style.
Conduit Street, W1S 2XG. Until Nov 11. Free.
4. Enjoy a flower-decked Day of the Dead parade
Columbia Road feels pretty flamboyant at the best of times, with its gorgeous flower-decked stalls and fancy gift shops. But this Saturday, it’ll serve up pure visual overload in the form of not one but two Day of the Dead parades. At 10.30am there’ll be a family-friendly costumed cycle ride full of bikers decked out in blooms, bugs and skulls. Then, at 2pm, there’ll be a grand costumed procession through the streets, inspired by Mexican celebrations. Be sure to wear flowers in your hair.
Columbia Road, E2 7RG. Sat Nov 1. Free.
5. Book a special dinner at Los Mochis
Luxury Japanese-Mexican restauranteurs Los Mochis are going all out for Day of the Dead, so book a table to immerse yourself in the delicious festivities. At Los Mochis London City you’ll find mezcal-fuelled revelry with Ibiza DJs, immersive decor and panoramic city views. Or head to Los Mochis Notting Hill for a special Día de los Muertos Dinner, featuring a live mariachi band, vibrant decorations, and a one-off celebratory menu.
Los Mochis, EC2M 2AT. Sat Nov 1. Prices vary.
6. Stuff your face with tacos at a delicious pop-up
This one-day Day of the Dead fiesta is an excellent excuse to fill your plate with tacos of every flavour, plus dangerous levels of hot sauce of course. Stratford”s Riverside East will host some of the city’s most hyped Mexican food trucks as part of London Taco Experience's outdoor event. Pair your nosh with micheladas, margaritas, and dancing to live DJs if you can still move.
Thornton Street, E20 2AD. Sat Nov 1. £5-£15.
7. Leave an offering at Corrochio’s
Stokey taco joint Corrochio’s is placing a special altar outside the restaurant this weekend where you can leave offerings (whether that’s food, drink or photos) for lost loved ones. Then dance the night away at their basement bar Cantina’s Saturday night party with face painting, £9 cocktails and a prize for the best dressed guest: or keep things chill with their festive Sunday brunch the morning after.
Stoke Newington Road, N16 7XB. Sat Nov 1. Free.
8. Go to a daytime Camden Market party
Few alternative, punk or goth types can resist the allure of a good skull. So of course Camden Market is throwing a Day of the Dead bash. This year, newly revamped space Hawley Wharf is laying on loads of free Mexican-inspired entertainments, including a bewitching parade by Mandinga Arts full of spooky characters and sugar skulls, alongside a live stage with dance and music. There’ll also be art workshops, and Mexican traders selling traditional handicrafts that'll be perfect for giving your home an eerie flavour.
Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8AA. Sat Nov 1. Free.
Start planning: here’s our roundup of the best things to do in London this November.
In the loop: sign up to our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.