Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) Sunday Funday
Join us and Colibri Mexican Folkdance for a vibrant celebration of life, love, and remembrance! We’re thrilled to bring you Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead), a unique and special ancient Mexican tradition that’s all about honouring our loved ones who’ve passed on.
In Mexican culture it’s believed that during this time of year our beloved ancestors come back to visit and families gather to welcome them with open arms. We’ll be cooking up their favourite dishes, dancing to lively music and sharing stories that keep their memories alive.
Programme
12-3:30pm Face Painting (£2 per child – Ground Floor, near cafe) Please note: you will be asked to pay at the gift shop’s till before joining the queue. For any questions, please ask a member of staff.
12-4pm Mexican Altar Display (Lower Ground Floor)
Visit the stunning Mexican altar, lovingly crafted to welcome our ancestors back home.
12-4pm Family Crafts (Lower Ground Floor)
Join in the fun with themed crafts.
12:15-12:45 Spanish Storytime with Magaly Flores (Children’s Library – Lower Ground Floor)
Hola! Come and join María at the Spanish Storytime sessions where you can listen to a story in Spanish and learn phrases whilst having fun. Suitable for 4-7 year-olds.
12:15 – 2:00 Family Film Club (Performance Space – Ground Floor)
Need a break from the excitement? Join us in the Performance Space for a relaxed film screening with mood lighting.
1:00 – 1:30 Traditional Mexican Music Concert (Henry Watson Music Library – 1st Floor)
Join us in the music library for a performance of traditional Mexican music.
1:00 – 1:45 Mexican Poetry Workshop for children aged 6-14 (Glass Room – Lower Ground Floor)
Would you like to write your own Calaverita Literaria? Come and join us at our Literary Skull 💀 ✨ workshop! A Mexican calaverita literaria (literary skull) is a short, humorous and satirical poem written for Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos). It playfully imagines living people — politicians, celebrities, friends or family — having a cheeky encounter with Death herself. No poetry experience needed — just bring your humour, your stories, and your love for Mexican traditions! This workshop is for children ages 6 to 14, accompanied by an adult. Please note: limited spaces available. Book your free tickets at this link
2:00 – 2:30 Mexican Piñata (Ground Floor, near Performance Space)
Yes, that’s right, there’s going to be a piñata! 🙂 Kindly donated by Maracas – Latin American Cantina.
Throughout the afternoon: Día de Muertos Photography Exhibition by Rodrigo Moctezuma (Ground Floor, near cafe)
Rodrigo Moctezuma is a Mexican photographer whose work explores the intersections of memory, identity, and togetherness. Viewing photography as a form of visual poetry—free, democratic, and deeply personal—his images capture the raw essence of human connection and collective celebration. Through this Día de Muertos collection in Manchester, he invites the audience to experience the profound sense of togetherness and legacy embedded within one of Mexico’s most iconic traditions. Join us to see this wonderful exhibition, visible at Manchester Central Library for one day only!
2:45-3:30 Traditional Dances: Colibri Mexican Folkdance UK (Performance Space – Ground Floor)
Join us for an electric and mesmerising performance by Colibri Mexican Folkdance UK!
Free entry, all welcome. Face painting: £2 per child
Please consider making a donation if you can either online or at one of our cash or contactless donation boxes in Central Library
