Day of the Dead Casa de México - Altar of the Dead 2023

Each year, Casa de México in Spain pulls out all the stops for their big Day of the Dead celebration. From 7 October to 12 November, the façade is decorated with cheerful little skulls made out of reed and bamboo by artisans from Tepoztlán, Morelos. Inspired by the late lithographer José Guadalupe Posadaby's world famous Calavera Catrina, each skull is decorated individually. Inside, on the staircase leading up from the foyer, you'll find the Altar of the Dead, adorned with garlands made from flowers and papel picado (perforated paper). In addition to the altar, Casa México hosts an array of other activities that invite us to learn more about this beautiful tradition.

The façade and interior of Casa de México are traditionally adorned with elements that are associated with the famous celebration, which has been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. This year, the façade will be decked with a giant skull of Frida Kahlo, measuring 13 metres, as well as two-metre-wide cloth flowers and papier-mâché skulls.

Casa de México also offers numerous activities for the public to learn more about this holiday and the traditions associated with it: arts and crafts workshops, a film cycle, culinary sessions and guided tours. You can sign up all of them on the official website.