The Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) Festival 2021
Día de Muertos:
A Celebration of Life
Saturday 30 October, 11 am to 8 pm.
British Library, Story Garden & Ossulton Street.
The Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) Festival is coming to the British Library, Ossulston Street and The Story Garden on Saturday 30 October 11 am to 8 pm.
The festival includes traditional arts and crafts from Mexico along with live music, poetry, dance and Mexican food & drinks and several other activities. The festival is organized by the British Library, the Mexican Embassy, UNAM-UK and the UK Mexican Arts Society with additional support from Francis Crick, The Story Garden, Camden Council and other partners.
A joyful series of events and talks exploring Mesoamerican cultures
This event will take place in the British Library Theatre. It will be simultaneously live streamed on the British Library platform. Tickets may be booked either to attend in person (physical) or to watch on our platform (online) either live or within 48 hours on catch up. Physical ticket bookers will also be sent a bonus link to the online event. Viewing links will be sent out shortly before the event.
The Mexican Día de Muertos has grown to capture hearts and imaginations around the world, with its dazzling visuals and rich heritage. Join us for a one-day festival of events in and around the British Library, preparing the way for Day of the Dead 2021.
We begin with the creation of a Day of the Dead altar featuring some of the Library’s own iconic neighbours, followed by pop-up poetry performances, cinema, workshops, Mexican market and much more. There is live music, dance performances and discussions, with a sneak peek into the British Library’s Mesoamerican collections, leading into a celebratory evening exploring Mesoamerican voices and cultures.
There will be plenty of activities going on around the day, including some scheduled sessions and workshops. These are drop-in sessions but we will be monitoring capacity and limiting numbers for these workshops for safety reasons so we recommend arriving at least 5 minutes before the workshop starts.
FULL list of activities here.
Ossulston Street
Authentic Mexican Market (curated by MexiBrit’s Paola Feregrino), showcasing over 40 traders with the Best of Mexico in the UK in the world of arts, crafts, clothing, jewellery, food and drinks.
Spaces dedicated to art and crafts will be located outside the Story Garden. This includes printmaking, live drawing, jewelry and art exhibition.
On the stage there’s going to be a Latin dance lesson, catrina competition and live music.
The Story Garden is hosting a community ofrenda (altar), workshops by Francis Crick and delicious pan de muertos baking.
Attending the festival
The festival will be free to attend, although booking will be required for some of the activities.
Story Garden
The Story Garden is hosting a community ofrenda (altar), workshops by Francis Crick and delicious pan de muertos baking.
It also host an Ofrenda created by Maria Fidelis School students. Remember your loved ones by bringing a picture, food, drinks and decorations. ⠀
Workshops by Francis Crick⠀
‘Did you know your eye colour is affected by your ancestors?⠀
Pan de Muerto baking ⠀
Skull Exhibition: This exhibition brings together a collection of skulls by local people and artists.⠀
#DiaDeMuertosLondon