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.
23rd Annual Fête des Morts à Paris
This is the “official” Day of the Dead festival in Paris, with multiple events spread out over ten days. Here are some highlights (see the full program here):
- Thursday, October 22, 7pm
Opening of the exhibition “La muerte mensajera: el jaguar del alma” at Art + Art Galerie (28 rue de la Fontaine au Roi, 11th), featuring historian and poet Juan Rafael Coronel Rivera (grandson of Diego Rivera) and Mexican jewelry designer Delia González. Free admission with a cocktail, limited places. - Friday, October 23, 7pm
Screening of the Mexican classic Macario with French subtitles and no original soundtrack, accompanied by pianist Erick Hernández Godínez improvising live, at Maison du Mexique (at the Cité Universaitaire campus, 9c boulevard Jourdan, 14th). Free admission, limited places. - Saturday, October 24, 4-6pm
Alongside the exhibited pieces of Delia Gonzalez, learn the traditional technique of metal embossing and make a unique brooch inspired by the calaveras of Día de Muertos at Art + Art Galerie (28 rue de la Fontaine au Roi, 11th), register in advance, €40/person. - Sunday, October 25, from 11am
Family day with several events open to adults, at Hôtel 1K Paris (13 boulevard du Temple, 3rd): a collective exhibition by Mexican artists in Paris (FerKinter, Namiko Prado-Arai, Ruth Morelos and Eunice Chao), a community altar honoring poet Jaime Sabines in the year of his centenary, and an exhibition of Catrina costumes by young designers working with clay artisans from Metepec. - Saturday, October 31 from 8:30pm
Official Día de los Muertos celebration at Hôtel 1K Paris (13 Boulevard du Temple, 3rd) features Mexican food and craft stalls, Catrina and Catrino makeup, and a community altar dedicated to poet Jaime Sabines. The evening includes a film program, a concert by Franco-Mexican group Tequila FUN-RISE, a Catrina and Catrino costume parade and competition, followed by a mariachi performance. The night ends with a Latin DJ set by Marcel Cerebros from 11:30pm to 1:30am. Entry is €10 with a welcome drink, cash only. - Sunday, November 1, 12-2pm
Closing brunch at Itacate Cocina Mexicana (94 rue Saint-Honoré, 1st). Reservations by phone at 01 42 33 39 87. - Sunday, November 1, 11am
All Saints mass at Église de Saint Merry (76 Rue de la Verrerie, 4th). - Sunday, November 1, 7pm
Grand closing parade at the Esplanade de la Tour Eiffel (Place du Trocadéro, 16th). Come in costume; makeup is available on site. Free.
Día de los Muertos at the Jardin d’Acclimatation
Bois de Boulogne, 16th
October 3-November 1
The children’s amusement park in the Bois de Boulogne is celebrating the Day of the Dead during the French school holidays with Mexican-themed attractions including the Haunted River cruise, The Mayan Labyrinth, and plenty of grinning skeletons. The program also features performances by the all-female mariachi group Arrieras Somos, makeup activities, and the Dragonfly magic show from 17 October to 1 November, with performances at 2pm and 4pm. Each evening at 6:30pm, the Baile de Fuego combines dance, music and costumes, while Mexican food and Día de los Muertos specialities are available throughout the event. Day passes from €19-€42.
Day of the Dead Art Show
Parc Floral, Pavillion 21, Bois de Vincennes, 12th
November 5-8
México in Paris is hosting an art exhibition at the Parc Floral de Paris featuring a variety of activities such as creative workshops, a painting and photography exhibition, concerts, dance performances, parades, and a food court to sample culinary specialties. For enthusiasts, there will also be the opportunity to admire and purchase Mexican handicrafts. Free entry.
La Jour de Morts aux Cascades
At the Association pour l’Estampe et l’Art Populaire
49bis Rue des Cascades, 20th
October 31-November 1, 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 October 31st(from 6pm). [confirm for 2026]
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