A Mexican celebration that has become popular worldwide is the Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead Festival, on November 1st. France celebrates their dead on the same day — which they call Toussaint, or All Saints’ Day — in their own solemn, Catholic way, by visiting the tombs of their loved ones (usually with chrysanthemums). The Mexican festival is a much more exuberant celebration honoring the lives of those who have passed by praying for their spiritual passage into the afterlife with the stylish and colorfully-dressed skeletons, known as calaveras, and flower-laden alters built to give offerings, usually favorite foods of the deceased. There are quite a few events celebrating the Fête des Morts all over Paris starting the last week of October through the first week of November, but they can be a little slow in publishing the final details until a week or so in advance, so check back for more on October 15th!
22nd Annual Fête des Morts à Paris
This is the “official” Day of the Dead festival in Paris, with multiple events spread out over several days (many require a reservation by email). Here are some highlights (or see the full program PDF in French here):
- Friday, October 25,7pm
Inauguration of the art installation “La Mort que Nous Portons” and historic photo exhibition “Un Regard sur la Morte Mexicaine”
At the Art + Art Galerie (28 rue de la Fontaine au Roi, 11th). Free entry. - Tuesday, October 29, 7-9pm.
Mezcal master class at the and tasting at Hôtel 1k – La Mezcalería (13 Bd du Temple, 3rd). €49/person, 18 and older. Reserve here. - Wednesday, October 30, 7-9pm
Clutch Magazine pays tribute to “La Catrina” through a fashion show showcasing the talent of Mexican designers. Free entry with registration. Cosentino City (27 Bd Malesherbes, 8th). - Thursday, October 31, from 7pm through 1am
Official Day of the Dead party, with dance performances, a Catrins and Catrinas parade and contest, Mexican food and drinks for sale, a concert by Mexican singer, followed by a DJ set. At El Zókalo (49 Rue Pixérécourt, 20th, Métro Télégraphe). Cover charge: €10 euros (includes a welcome drink). - Friday, November 1, 11am and 3pm
All Saints mass at Église de Saint Merry (76 Rue de la Verrerie, 4th), followed by the traditional “parade of death” at 3pm with everyone dressed as Catrins or Catrinas (prizes for best outfits) starting at the Place Stravinsky (next to Centre Pompidou), 2 Rue Brisemiche, 4th.
Día de los Muertos at the Jardin d’Acclimatation
Bois de Boulogne, 16th
October 5-November 11
The children’s amusement park in the Bois de Boulogne is celebrating the Day of the Dead during the French school holidays with grinning skeletons, mariachis, costumed dancers and “fire artists”. There are “ghost cruises” on the Enchanted River, and a Fire Dance parade each evening at sunset. It’s great for young children. Day passes from €27-€46.
Day of the Dead Art Show
Parc Floral, Pavillion 21, Bois de Vincennes, 12th
November 9-10
México in Paris is hosting an art exhibition at the Parc Floral de Paris featuring photographers, illustrators, painters, and other artists on the theme “The day when death is not sad”. Entry to the art show is free, but entry to the park itself is €2.50.
La Jour de Morts aux Cascades
At the Association pour l’Estampe et l’Art Populaire
49bis Rue des Cascades, 20th
November 9-17, daily 3-8pm
This gallery and printshop usually celebrates the holiday each year with an exposition of Day of the Dead-themed artworks for sale (essentially prints made by different artists in their atelier downstairs), and a traditional altar. The vernissage opening party is on November 9th (from 6pm).
If there are any other events you’ve heard about not listed here, let me know! 🙂
PS: Learn more about Mexican culture in Paris in this article: Mexico in Paris
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