Día de Muertos 2026 at the Mexican Cultural Institute

Registration starts Friday, October 23 at 10 AM (EDT)

Join us at the Mexican Cultural Institute for a festive celebration of Día de Muertos! Bring your family and friends for an afternoon filled with Mexican traditions, music, dancing, and cultural activities. 

Enjoy traditional pan de muerto and warm Mexican hot chocolate, explore local vendors, participate in family-friendly activities, and discover the beauty and meaning behind this beloved Mexican tradition. Children and families are warmly welcome! 

PLAN YOUR VISIT:

To ensure a comfortable experience for everyone, visits to the ofrenda and murals will be organized into 60-minute time slots. Please select one of the following times when registering: 

•11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
•12:15 PM – 1:15 PM
•1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
•2:45 PM – 3:45 PM 

TICKET INFORMATION: 

•Each person may reserve a maximum of four tickets per order. Orders exceeding this limit will be canceled in their entirety.
•Please keep your ticket after arrival, as each ticket serves as a voucher for one pan de muerto.
•Activities and performances may vary depending on your selected time slot.
•If tickets are sold out, you are welcome to visit and join the walk-in queue for a chance to enter if spots become available. 

Can't make it? If you have registered but are unable to attend, please contact us to cancel your reservation. This will allow another guest to enjoy the celebration. 

The altar will remain on display until Wednesday, November 25, so you will be able to visit it during the Institute's regular hours.

OFRENDA DE MUERTOS 2026: A COMMUNITY INVITATION 

This year, the Mexican Cultural Institute has commissioned Mexican visual artist Martirene Alcántara to create its 2026 Ofrenda de Muertos. As part of this special project, the artist invites the community to honor the memory of loved ones who have passed away by sharing a photograph to be included in the ofrenda. 

HOW TO PARTICIPATE: 

Option 1: Submit a printed photograph 

Printed photographs must measure 4 × 6 inches or no larger than 5 × 7 inches. Please deliver them in person to: 

Mexican Cultural Institute
2829 16th Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20009 

Deadline: Tuesday, October 27, at 4 PM (EDT)

Option 2: Submit a digital photograph 

Email a high-resolution digital photograph to ofrenda2026imc@gmail.com

Please include the following information in your email:

•Your name
•The full name of your deceased loved one
•Their dates of birth and death 

Deadline: Monday, October 26, at 11:59PM (EDT)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: 

•Physical photographs cannot be returned.

•All submitted photographs will be used exclusively for the 2026 Ofrenda de Muertos.

•Printed copies will be securely destroyed after the exhibition.