The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) in Bronx, New York, always has exciting programs on their well-rounded calendar of events throughout the year. New for 2026, is their celebration for Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), an important traditional Mexican holiday that is celebrated on November 1, 2026. There are wonderful activities at the NYBG that celebrate Día de los Muertos and provide interesting cultural aspects behind the celebration. The exhibition runs until November 2, 2026, and is appropriate for all age groups.
We attended an interesting preview of their latest exhibition, Día de los Muertos, on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, before it opened to the public on October 3, 2026. The exhibition takes place around the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden and includes a display of pumpkins (calabazas) with their names and their uses. A few of the pumpkins on display included ‘One Too Many’ pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) used for desserts, ‘Grizzly bear’ pumpkin (Cucurbita sp.) used for decoration, ‘Moranga’ pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) used for sweet and also savory dishes, ‘Turban’ winter squash (Cucurbita maxima) used in savory dishes, ‘Speckled Swan’ Bottle Goard (Lagenaria siceraria) used for decoration, and many others, some of which we were familiar with, and some that we were not.
The Community Altar
Ofrenda
The centerpiece of the Día de los Muertos exhibition is the vibrant and colorful Ofrenda, the Community Altar, where visitors can remember and honor their loved ones who have passed away. It is estimated that this important Mexican and diaspora cultural holiday dates back to Mesoamerica over 3,000 years. The community altar will include photographs, letters, or notes to the deceased, as well as the deceased’s favorite foods and beverages.
Visitors are encouraged to bring a copy of a loved one’s photograph or write them a letter at home to leave at the Community Altar. You can also write a note to your loved ones on the special paper provided in the box located next to the altar at NYBG.
Welcome to Dia de los Muertos
Alebrijes
Alebrijes
At the entrance of the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, there is a Día de los Muertos sign, a male and female calavera, and colorful streamers. As we strolled along the path, we encountered whimsical alebrijes, which are fantastical animals that function as spirit guides. Mexico City street artist, illustrator, and graphic designer Edgar Flores created these wonderful alebrijes that include a turtle, a squirrel, a wolf, an owl, and others that beautifully capture folk art traditions.
Calaveras
Calaveras
Calaveras (skeletons) figure prominently for Día de los Muertos as a reminder of the circle of life. The Mexican illustrator José Guadalupe Posada (1852-1913) started creating calaveras doing everyday things like riding bicycles as a satirical way of looking at life. The most famous of the calaveras is La Catrina, an elegant, wealthy female skeleton usually depicted wearing a hat and expensive clothing as Posada’s way of equalizing everyone, because rich or poor, we all die in the end.
La Catrina
There is a stunning, large-scale La Catrina located near the exit of the exhibition in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden. For this depiction, she is wearing a crown of colorful yellow and orange marigolds, pink and purple hydrangeas, and lilies, has a painted skull face and is wearing dried chili earrings. Her painted torso is elegantly attired in a “skirt’ made of layers of bright yellow and orange marigolds and red, purple, and green leaf plants.
How to make an Ofrenda
Papel Picado
When people make an ofrenda or altar at their home, it is typically made from a box, a crate, on shelves, or a table that is covered with a colorful tablecloth or scarf. The ofrenda is decorated with Papel picado made from colorful tissue paper cut into attractive shapes, with marigold petals on the altar as well as creating a path leading up to it. The ofrenda at their home will include photographs of the deceased, candles, special copal incense, bells, and the loved one’s favorite foods and beverages.
Día de los Muertos Food Offerings
Typical food offerings include Calaveritas de azúcar (Sugar Skulls) made from a sugar paste called alfeñique, Tamales a traditional dish made of masa (corn meal dough) that are filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables and wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and steamed, Pan de Muerto – a sweet bread called pan dulce that is made in a round shape to symbolize the circle of life and death and decorated with “bones” made from bread dough, and Agua (water) to quench the spirits’ thirst.
Día de los Muertos Activities at the NYBG
There are numerous Día de los Muertos activities taking place at the NYBG that are fun, interesting, and educational for all ages that run throughout the exhibition, which closes on November 2, 2026. Be sure to check the NYBG’s website for more information on dates and times for the activities.
Ofrenda: Community Altar: Honor a loved one who has passed away by adding a photograph or a written memory to the community altar.
Alebrijes
Hands-On Traditions: The Art of Papel Picado & Silk Flowers: October 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm, October 31 and November 2 from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm.
Folk Music Performances: October 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 sets are at 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 1:00 pm at the entrance of the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden.
Fun for Kids: Guided Activities: Tuesday through Friday from 1:30 pm until 5:00 pm, and Saturday, Sunday, and Monday holidays from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm. There are special events on select days.
Procession of Puppets: Select Dates and Times located throughout the garden.
Mexican Folk Dance Performances by MAZarte: October 31 and November 2: Performances every half-hour from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm, select locations throughout the grounds.
Sing Along with Bilingual Birdies: October 31, November 1 at 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, and 4:00 pm in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden.
Dia de los Muertos Parade: November 1 from 1:0 pm until 5:00 pm, select locations. Visit the website for times of all activities for the parade.
Do allow a minimum of 2-3 hours to fully appreciate and experience the exhibition, followed by exploring NYBG’s many gardens. There are food options available, there is a narrated tram ride that takes visitors through some of the highlights of the 250-acre property, and a gift shop so you can take home a lovely remembrance of your visit. Their Día de los Muertos exhibition is the perfect way to celebrate this important cultural holiday, as well as the Autumn season.
Another fun day at NY Botanical Garden
Until next time, keep enjoying and supporting the arts.
Ongoing and Upcoming Events at NYBG:
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Flower Power
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Runs until October 18, 2026
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Dia de los Muertos
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October 3 – November 2, 2026
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Holiday Train Show
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November 14 – January 10, 2027
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The NYBG has many special events including Liquid Light Shows, music programs, workshops, and classes, so please visit the website for more information: www.nybg.org/plan_your_visit/
NYBG Tickets: All-Garden Pass includes daytime access to the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory and Tram Tour, plus all of the Garden’s outdoor collections.
Weekday Pricing: Adult: $35, Senior/Student: $31, Child: $15, Children under 2: No charge
Weekend Pricing: Adult: $39, Senior/Student: $35, Child: $17, Children under 2: No charge
New York City Resident Grounds Access Pass
“On Tuesday, and Thursday through Sunday, Grounds Access Pass is available for purchase to NYC Residents only. Proof of residency is required and may only be purchased onsite. On Wednesdays, Grounds Admission is free to NYC residents all day and to all other visitors between 10 and 11 a.m.
Grounds Access Pass includes access to outdoor gardens and collections, including the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden.”
NY Resident Grounds Access Pass Pricing: Adults: $15, Students (with valid ID)/Seniors (65+): $7, Children (2-12 years): $4, Children under 2: Free, Members: Free
“Grounds Access Pass does not include admission to the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, Special Exhibitions, or Tram Tour.”
The NYBG has many special events including music programs, workshops, and classes, so please visit the NYBG website for more information: www.nybg.org/plan_your_visit/
About the NYBG
The New York Botanical Garden is a 250-acre oasis located in Bronx, New York. Founded in 1891, the garden attracts year-round visitors with its exquisite beauty, spectacular exhibitions, and interesting programs. It is a National Historic Landmark located in Bronx, New York where its nearby neighbors include Fordham University and the Bronx Zoo. Do allow a minimum of 3 hours to thoroughly experience the New York Botanical Garden and its many programs.
Other special exhibitions and events, such as Members-Only Previews, may cause early closing of Garden areas. Exceptions are also made for evening events, which may take place after normal Garden hours. For specific hours on the day of your visit, please see their calendar on the website: www.nybg.org/plan_your_visit/
The Garden, its buildings, and its tour vehicles are accessible to people with disabilities, except for a few areas where the terrain is naturally uneven. Wheelchairs are available free of charge at both Garden entrances, on a first-come, first-served basis (reservations are not accepted). An ID must be left with Visitor Services. Visit the website for additional information: www.nybg.org/visit/accessibility.php
New York Botanical Garden
2900 Southern Boulevard
Bronx, New York 10458
United States
Telephone: +1-718-817-8700
Email: ticketingsupport@nybg.org
Website: www.nybg.org
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