Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is one of Latin America’s most enduring and visually rich traditions. Celebrated between November 1st and 2nd, it blends Indigenous Mesoamerican practices of ancestor veneration with Catholic observances of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days. The holiday centers on remembering and welcoming the spirits of loved ones through altars, offerings, and community gatherings.
In her book Day of the Dead in the USA, Rutgers Professor Regina Marchi (School of Communication and Information and an affiliated faculty member in the Department of Latino and Caribbean Studies and the Center for Latin American Studies) traces how this centuries-old custom evolved into a transnational practice of remembrance. Dr. Marchi shows how Día de los Muertos has long served as a bridge between Indigenous and Catholic worldviews, where marigolds, candles, food, and music sustain a dialogue between the living and the dead.
As Latinx migration spread across the United States, the celebration transformed. Dr. Marchi documents how Honduran, Bolivian, Chilean, and Guatemalan communities adapted the ritual, introducing native foods, dances, and symbols. From Cleveland to Minneapolis, California to New Jersey, Día de los Muertos has become a shared cultural language and a vibrant expression of identity, faith, and resilience.
Today, altars and processions appear not only in Mexican American neighborhoods, but in libraries, museums, and parks across the nation. The tradition has expanded to reflect the diversity of Latinx communities while preserving its core message: to honor life by remembering those who came before us.
Day of the Dead in the USA is available through Rutgers University Press.
New Jersey Celebrates Día de los Muertos
The spirit of Día de los Muertos flourishes across the U.S., with communities hosting vibrant public events. New Jersey offers a growing array of celebrations that invite everyone to participate in this beautiful tradition of remembrance. Below, please find a list of Day of the Dead events taking place across New Jersey this weekend.
Local Celebrations: Día de los Muertos in New Jersey (2025)
Bergen County
- Paramus Public Library — Día de los Muertos Family Fiesta
Sat, Nov 1, 11:00–11:45 AM
116 E. Century Road, Paramus, NJ
Stories, crafts, and refreshments for ages 4 through Grade 4. Registration required. - Dia De Los Muertos at LUSH
Sat, Nov 1, 2:00–6:00 PM
LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics, American Dream, East Rutherford, NJ
Learn about the holiday, enjoy light food, refreshments, and LUSH’s Día de los Muertos collection.
Essex County
- Latinos of Montclair — Día de los Muertos Festival
Fri–Sun, Oct 31–Nov 2
Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair, NJ
Mercadito with 60+ artisans, Community Altar, live music, and cultural showcases.
Additional events at Lackawanna Plaza:- Jersey’s Largest Halloween Party — Oct 31, 8:00 PM (21+)
- Catrina Candlelight Concert & Dance Party — Nov 1, 7:00 PM
- Colores de Frida — Family Theater Experience — Nov 2, 1:00–2:00 PM
- Bloomfield Día de los Muertos Celebration
Sun, Nov 2, 1:00–4:00 PM
The Oakeside Mansion, 240 Belleville Ave., Bloomfield, NJ
Free family-friendly event honoring loved ones through community remembrance.
Morris County
- Morris Museum — Film Screenings: “Coco”
Sat, Nov 1, 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM
6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ - Morristown Bar Crawl: Halloween and Day of the Dead
Sat, Nov 1, 4:00–10:00 PM
Check-in: Horseshoe Tavern, 36 Speedwell Ave., Morristown, NJ
Route includes Horseshoe Tavern, The Frog, Parkside Tavern, Grasshopper off the Green, and Homestead Bar & Kitchen.
Passaic County
- Día de Muertos Mixology Class — Bitol Cantina
Sat, Nov 1, 7:00 PM
1061 Bloomfield Ave., Clifton, NJ
Create three themed cocktails with a guest mixologist and enjoy hors d’oeuvres. $50 per person.
Hudson County
- Riverview Farmers Market — Día de los Muertos Festival
Sun, Nov 2, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Riverview-Fisk Park, 498 Palisade Ave., Jersey City, NJ
Puppet parade at noon, live music, poetry, story readings, face painting, crafts, and family fun.