Día de Muertos / Day of the Dead
Learn about this Mexican tradition and find resources about Día de Muertos
Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is celebrated throughout Mexico on 2 November (All Souls' Day). Many other countries around the world hold similar celebrations by having special days for honouring the dead. These celebrations occur in various countries in Central and South America, Europe and Asia, where they mark the holiday according to their own local customs.
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Día de Muertos / Day of the Dead: Tūranga
Join us at Tūranga on Sunday 1 November to celebrate Día de Muertos, a beautiful Mexican tradition that honours the lives and memories of loved ones who have passed away.
Celebrate the vibrant spirit of Mexico through music, dance and community! Enjoy traditional Mexican folkloric dance performed by MEXidaNZ’s children and adults, and join Héctor and Adrián as they come together especially for this celebration to bring you live Mexican music, playing the much-loved songs that bring Latinos together and get everyone singing along!
We’ll also welcome Latin Loops, a live music project by Christchurch-based multi-instrumentalist Carlos Celis, blending guitar, vocals, percussion and Latin American rhythms to create a lively, one-of-a-kind musical experience.
Come along, experience the richness of Mexican culture, and celebrate a tradition filled with colour, music, love and remembrance. ¡Todos son bienvenidos!
All whānau welcome
Free, no bookings required
More about Latin Loops
Created in 2026 by Christchurch-based multi-instrumentalist Carlos Celis, Latin Loops brings together over 25 years of musical experience in a vibrant one-person performance.
Carlos began his musical journey as a teenager, performing with orchestras, folkloric groups and bands. Initially trained as a pianist and accordionist, he later expanded his skills to guitar, vocals, percussion and live looping. Since moving to New Zealand, he has performed with a variety of Latin, rock and pop groups.
With Latin Loops, Carlos brings all these experiences together, building each performance live with guitar, vocals, percussion and occasional accordion. His music blends Latin American rhythms such as bolero, cumbia, son cubano and salsa with familiar English and Māori songs, creating a unique musical experience that celebrates rhythm, culture and connection.
How is Día de Muertos celebrated?
Many people around the world, even if they are not directly connected to Mexican culture, are drawn to the concept and imagery of Mexico’s Day of the Dead, so the holiday seems to continually gain in popularity as more people learn about it.
People create altars in their homes to honour their deceased loved ones. In some places it’s common to allow guests to enter the house to view the altar.
Mexicans celebrate Día de Muertos to honour their deceased loved ones. It allows the dead to “live again” by giving their friends and family the opportunity to get together and reminisce. It is a loving festivity, full of joy and remembrance.
