Día de Muertos 2026 at the MCI

Join us at the Mexican Cultural Institute for a festive celebration of Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead)! 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 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. • 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. • 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. • 2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. 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. 💀 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 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Option 2: Submit a digital photograph Email a high-resolution digital photograph to [email protected]. 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 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. 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. Share a photograph of someone dear to you and help us celebrate their memory as part of our Ofrenda de Muertos 2026. We look forward to celebrating with you! Mexican Cultural Institute | Washington, D.C. #OfrendaDeMuertos2026 #DiaDeMuertos #DayOfTheDead #MexicanCulturalInstitute #MartireneAlcantara