Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, is almost upon us and this year we’re celebrating in the best way we know how—with Mexican eats, tequila cocktails, DJs and face painting.
Day of the Dead is a Mexican ritual dedicated to honouring our nearest and dearest departed with feasts, dancing, sugar skulls and art. That sounds pretty good to us.
Here are the best ways to celebrate Day of the Dead in Auckland.
Mexfestival
ASB Showgrounds
Start preparing yourself for Day of the Dead at the biggest Mexican festival of the year, Mexfestival. Held at the ASB Showgrounds on 27 October you’ll learn how to paint your face into a sugar skull and about Mayan culture. Naturally, Mexfestival will include tasty Mexican eats, makeup workshops and Aztec dance performances. By night, the Mexfestival transforms into full fiesta mode, throwing open their bar and shaking up the sangrias and mixing the margaritas.
Day Of The Dead Food Truck Fiesta
La Cigale Parnell French Markets
What better way is there to celebrate this festival than eating Mexican food? La Cigale French Markets in Parnell is holding a Day of the Dead Food Truck Fiesta where you’ll find all the delicious street food you know at love. Devour handmade empanadas from Sabores, authentic Latin arepas from Olas and Mexican tacos from Taco Loco. Free up your evening on Wednesday 31 October so you can welcome the dead with tasty eats to kick off Día de Muertos.
Mexico
Multiple Locations
On November 2, all Mexico restaurants across the country will run Día de Muertos exclusive deals. The menu will include one-day only dishes such as prawn and chorizo empanadas, chicken planchas and a special dessert of cinnamon sugar doughnuts with warm chocolate ganache and walnut migas. There will also be Jose Cuervo Tequila tastings and Day of the Dead margaritas.
Marina Cantina
Half Moon Bay
Marina Cantina has gone all out with three separate events dedicated to the Day of the Dead. Starting off with a painting class on 1 November, you’ll channel your inner artist and create a Día de Muertos-inspired masterpiece while sipping on a complimentary margarita. If arts and crafts aren't really your thing, get amongst the margarita masterclass on 2 November. Or, if a bottomless lunch sounds more like you, head Marina Cantina on 3 November. The day will consist of a three-course Mexican feast and bottomless sangria, Estrella Damm and mocktails.
José Cuervo’s Day Of The Dead Dome
Sky Tower
Head along to Federal Street on 2 and 3 November for a pop-up dome dedicated to everything and anything Day of the Dead. We’re talking Mexican street food, live entertainment and most importantly, tequila. There will also be Jose Cuervo crafted margaritas, Mexican street games, free face painting sessions, a cocktail garnish station and you can even make your own flower crown.
Kensal Flower Crown Workshop
Kingsland
Kensal Flower Studio in Kingsland is holding a workshop on Friday 2 November where you’ll learn how to assemble your very own one-of-a-kind flower crown with their gorgeous range of florals. The night will also include tequila because we all know Dia de Muertos wouldn’t be the same without a cheeky Mexican bevvy or two.
Besos Latinos Day Of The Dead Fiesta
Elliott Stables
Head on over to Elliott Stables for a night of dancing and Spanglish music from DJ King Salsa. Besos Latinos is providing top quality Mexican food and drinks to commemorate the dead and it’s not to be missed. The $10 entry fee will also get you a complimentary Sol beer or non-alcoholic drink of your choice. The fiesta includes special cocktails, Cerveza and face painting and will be a night to remember.
Want More?
- The Best Mexican Food In Auckland
- Where To Head For Taco Tuesday In Auckland
- Auckland's Best Shared Cocktails
Image Credit: Lydia Arnold