Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian

Description:

Celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a Mexican tradition honoring loved ones who have passed away while celebrating family, life, and cultural heritage. This lively, family-friendly festival features traditional dance performances, hands-on crafts, cultural demonstrations, and opportunities to learn about the holiday’s meaning.

Families can make colorful tissue-paper marigolds, decorate plaster skulls inspired by La Catrina and sugar-skull designs, and watch artists demonstrate papel picado, the traditional art of creating decorative paper banners. Visitors can also learn how pan de muerto, a traditional sweet bread, is made and see an artist create a colorful sawdust carpet.

Children and adults can interact with performers dressed as La Catrina, explore a memorial altar (ofrenda), and write messages honoring loved ones on butterflies to attach to a memorial arch. Traditional dances by Grupo los Tecuanes bring music and cultural storytelling to the celebration.

Age:

Suitable for families with children of various ages. The interactive storytime is specifically recommended for children ages 3–9 and their caregivers.

Why families love it

• Free cultural activities for the whole family.
• Hands-on crafts, including paper marigolds and decorative skulls.
• Traditional Mexican dance performances with bilingual narration.
• Opportunities to learn about Mexican art, food, and cultural traditions.
• Interactive storytelling for younger children.
• Meaningful family activities that celebrate remembrance, love, and the cycle of life.

⚠️ Good to know

• Storytime: 10:30 AM, Level 3, imagiNATIONS Activity Center. Recommended for ages 3–9; tickets may be needed for entry to the activity center and story room.
• Skull decorating: 11:00 AM–1:00 PM and 2:00–4:00 PM, Level 3.
• Dance performances: 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:30 PM, and 4:00 PM, Level 1, Potomac Atrium.
• Paper marigold crafts: Available from 11:00 AM–4:00 PM.
• Additional activities and demonstrations take place throughout the day.
• Visitors may bring photographs or mementos of loved ones for the museum’s ofrenda.
• The museum is located near the National Mall and is accessible by public transportation.

Best For

Families with preschool and elementary-age children, families interested in Mexican culture, children who enjoy arts and crafts, and anyone looking for a free cultural festival with music, dancing, storytelling, and interactive activities in Washington, DC.

Cost: Free admission.