Day of the Dead 2025, also known as Día de los Muertos, is set to be celebrated this weekend with vibrant events and traditions across Connecticut. This holiday, observed on November 1 and 2, honors the belief that the souls of the departed briefly return to reunite with their living relatives, celebrating with food, music, and dance. The tradition dates back to the Aztecs in present-day Mexico.
Families commemorate their loved ones by creating ofrendas—special altars adorned with candles, bright marigold flowers called cempasúchil, and favorite foods such as tortillas and fruit. These offerings are set up in homes, churches, cemeteries, and museums, serving as heartfelt tributes to the deceased.
.@MovingImageNYC welcomes guests for a Day of the Dead celebration with Aztec dance performances, music, ofrendas, and digital activities on Sunday, November 2.https://t.co/HWbV4qAjp3 pic.twitter.com/vRcpqAxZws
— NYC Cultural Affairs (@NYCulture) October 26, 2025
For those in Connecticut wanting to participate in Day of the Dead 2025
festivities, New Haven hosts a colorful parade on Saturday evening at 491 Blatchley Ave. The parade features giant puppets and flower-decorated lanterns that symbolize remembrance, honor, and support for migrant communities. The event also serves as a protest highlighting the tragic deaths of migrants in ICE custody.
Additional celebrations include a Día de los Muertos
costume party at Toad’s Place in New Haven starting at 9 p.m., and an event by Hartford’s Dead Language Beer Project featuring face painting, music, and an ofrenda for attendees to honor their loved ones. On Sunday, Taco Bachi in Brookfield holds a fiesta with an all-you-can-eat buffet and live performances.
This comprehensive guide highlights how to honor traditions and enjoy festive gatherings this Day of the Dead 2025, blending cultural reverence with community celebration across Connecticut.