Día de los Muertos Community Celebrations 2026

A BIMA PRISM PROGRAM
Gather together as a community for Día de los Muertos, a celebration that is memorable, beautiful, and deeply rooted in cultural significance.

The day begins next door at the Kid’s Discovery Museum (KiDiMu) with a joyful procession to BIMA made up of children dressed as butterflies, leading guests along a flower-lined path into a museum vibrant with music, art, and activity.

At the heart of the celebration is a traditional ofrenda: a colorful, multi-paneled shrine created by artist Araceli Cruz where visitors are invited to add mementos and stories honoring loved ones who have passed on.

Three remembrance ceremonies, presented by Alice Mendoza, will be held at 11 AM (free), 2 PM (free), and 5 PM (ticketed). These community ceremonies are an opportunity to embrace the spirit of the day and celebrate beloved memories of those who have passed. The free ceremonies will be live-streamed at the BIMA Auditorium, though seating is limited.

New this year, the 5 PM remembrance ceremony offers an intimate, candlelit evening experience inspired by cemetery traditions honored throughout Mexico, with food and drink available for purchase. Learn more about this Evening Celebration here.

Between and after the daytime ceremonies, anyone can visit the ofrenda and explore the art in the galleries, including the student art inspired by Día de los Muertos, no ticket needed! The rest of BIMA’s galleries (second floor) are still open to the public as usual. During these hours, you can enjoy atole (traditional Mexican masa-based drink) and pan de muerto (“bread of the dead,” a Mexican sweet bread), participate in make-and-take art activities, receive traditional face painting, and listen to strolling musicians performing Mexican folk songs.

All are welcome for this traditional celebration!

BIMA’s PRISM programming is where art comes alive, off the walls and onto the stage. From films and concerts to artist talks and community celebrations, PRISM expands what it means to be an art museum through regular, engaging live events on BIMA’s stage, in its galleries, and outside the museum.