Dia de los Muertos Returns to The Wharf on Sunday With Mariachi, Altars and a Light Procession
The free waterfront celebration runs Sunday, November 1 from 3 to 6 p.m. in Southwest DC, with live bands, folklorico dancing, sugar-skull decorating and a closing community light procession.
The Wharf in Southwest Washington will host its Dia de los Muertos celebration on Sunday, November 1, from 3 to 6 p.m., a free outdoor festival of remembrance with local bands, traditional dance performances, decorated altars, face painting and skull decorating, according to Hola Cultura's guide to this year's observances. Dia de los Muertos is observed annually on November 1 and 2.
The music lineup mixes mariachi and contemporary Latin sounds. Secret DC's event guide lists performances by La Unica, Sol y Rumba and Mariachi Imperio by Blanca Chucuan, along with traditional Mexican choreography from Ballet Folklorico El Tepeyac on the waterfront.
Families can take part at Recreation Pier, which the guide describes as the hub for children's activities, including sugar-skull decorating. Decorated altars — ofrendas — are a central part of the afternoon, honoring loved ones who have died with photographs, candles and offerings.
The celebration closes on the water. As the afternoon winds down, LED candles will be distributed to guests at M Street Landing for a community light procession along the waterfront, according to the guide. Admission is free and no tickets are required.
