PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, in partnership with the Consulate of Mexico in Philadelphia and the Mexican Cultural Center, presents the second Celebración de Día de Muertos or Day of the Dead Celebration in LOVE Park, which will feature cultural events, a monumental altar installation and community bike ride.

The kick-off event will take place on Friday, October 15, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., in Philadelphia’s iconic LOVE Park (1600 JFK Boulevard). The celebration will begin with the inauguration of the “Entrance to the Underworld” altar, created by renowned Mexican artist and muralist Cesar Viveros. The alter will be on display through Tuesday, November 2. Visitors will enjoy cultural performances by musical group “Los Guachinangos” and dance performers “Calpulli Kamastle Xiuhcoatl”.

Día de Muertos is a popular Mexican holiday that honors loved ones that have passed away.  This celebration is a rich combination of traditions and bright colors, with its origins based on activities and beliefs of indigenous communities of Central and South Mexico. Day of the Dead, is traditionally commemorated on November 1 and 2. Families and friends gather to create ornate altars, usually made up of at least three levels, with diverse elements on each level.

“Our office is proud to support this authentic and mesmerizing display of Dia De Muertos at LOVE Park,” said Amy Eusebio, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Office of Immigrant Affairs.  “We recognize that as a welcoming city it is critically important that we celebrate and elevate the traditions of the many immigrants who have made Philadelphia their home”

Día de Muertos events:

• Kick-off event and inauguration of the altar: Friday, October 15, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

  • Cultural performance: Jarocho folk music by “Los Guachinangos” and Aztec dances by “Calpulli Kamastle Xiuhcoatl”
  • Food truck “El Burrito Feliz”

• Day of the Dead bike ride: Sunday, October 31, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
  • A 3.5-mile bike ride, in which participants will be encouraged to dress up as Catrinas or Calaveras and decorate their bikes with Day of the Dead free accessories.
  • The goal is to reach LOVE Park, visit the altar installation, and discover the true meaning of altars and Day of the Dead traditions in Mexico through the eyes of writer José Carlos Pérez Sámano.
  • Cyclists are welcome to bring their own bike or use an Indego. Space is limited. RSVP to icompean@mexicanculturalcenter.org.

All events and activities are free and open to the public.

The Entrance of the Underworld 

Cesar Viveros’s “Entrance to the Underworld” altar will be installed in the center of LOVE Park’s iconic fountain from Friday, October 15 through Tuesday, November 2. The structure was first installed in LOVE Park in October 2019, and is returning this year to mark Philadelphia’s celebration of this traditional Mexican holiday.

“We are pleased to have this opportunity to share with residents of Philadelphia one of our most important traditions: Day of the Dead,” said Consul of Mexico Carlos Obrador. “An altar is an important element of this holiday, it is the way of honoring our past love ones. Through events like this one, is one of the many ways the City of Brotherly Love makes immigrants feel welcome and Mexico is delighted to be part of it.”

Fall in LOVE Park

The Day of the Dead celebrations add to an exciting lineup of amenities and free fall programming at LOVE Park.

• Pop Up Marketplace – October 15, 16 & 17 + October 23 & 24, 11 a.m. – 6p.m.

  • Check out diverse local vendors representing various neighborhoods of Philadelphia.

  • Pop up vendors will include: Sable Collective, Gynger Tea, Wildflower Herbs, justKEEBS, Nubian K. Essentials, She’s Phenomenal Fashions and Marlie D’apparel.

• Lawn at Loveluck through October 31, Tuesdays – Fridays, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Saturdays & Sundays, 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.

  • Residents and visitors returning to Center City this fall should bring their appetites. The Lawn at Loveluck is a new park pop-up restaurant from Safran Turney Hospitality. Visit now to preview the full-service LOVE Luck experience coming soon to the LOVE Park Welcome Center!

• Black Music City: Saturday, October 16 and Saturday, October 23, 12 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.

  • A series of performances will recognize and honor Philadelphia’s rich Black music history. Black Music City is a collaboration between public radio stations WRTI and WXPN and talent incubator REC Philly. Get details about the Black Music City artist and DJ performance lineup in LOVE Park.

• Free Meditation and Yoga, October 17 and 24, 11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m.

  • Enhance your mind and body with free 45-minute meditation and beginners yoga classes. Local instructors will lead the classes.

For more information about upcoming events and programs at LOVE Park, visit:

​​https://www.phila.gov/spotlight/fall-in-love-2021/.

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) advances the prosperity of the city and the progress of her people through intentional and sustained stewardship of nearly 10,200 acres of public land and waterways as well as through hundreds of safe, stimulating recreation, environmental and cultural centers. PPR promotes the well-being and growth of the city’s residents by connecting them to the natural world around them, to each other and to fun, physical and social opportunities. PPR is responsible for the upkeep of historically significant Philadelphia events and specialty venues, and works collaboratively with communities and organizations in leading capital projects and the introduction of inventive programming. To learn more about Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, visit us at www.phila.gov/parksandrec, and follow @philaparkandrec on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.                                                                  .               

Consulate of Mexico in Philadelphia is the diplomatic representation of Mexico and its jurisdiction includes the states of Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the eight counties of southern New Jersey, serving a Mexican population estimated to be over 300,000 people. The Consulate provides various documentation services for Mexicans and foreigners, legal advice and protection, as well as carrying out various programs and events to promote the image of Mexico through the promotion of trade, tourism and culture. Visit for more info: https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/filadelfia

Mexican Cultural Center is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization devoted to promoting understanding and awareness of the cultural and artistic diversity of Mexico and its influence in the Delaware Valley in the United States. Founded in 1994, the Center serves as a networking hub for those interested in Mexican Culture. The MCC is supported by contributions from corporations, individuals, memberships and self-generated revenue. Visit us at www.mexicanculturalcenter.org and follow @MccPhilly on Facebook and Twitter.