NYC DOT and Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs to Host Third Annual Dia de Muertos Celebration in Times Square

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IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 1, 2025  Contact: (212) 839-4850, [email protected]

NYC DOT and Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs to Host Third Annual Dia de Muertos Celebration in Times Square

The 2024 Día de Muertos celebration in Times Square. Credit: NYC DOT

NEW YORK - New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) Commissioner Manuel Castro today announced the third annual Día de Muertos celebration in Times Square will take place on Sunday, November 2. The event will feature live performances, altars, public art, and the display of five large Catrinas - iconic skeleton statues that honor those who have passed. Día de Muertos is a joyful holiday that honors the rich cultural traditions of Mexico and the memory of loved ones who are no longer with us.

"Día de Muertos honors the rich cultural traditions of Mexico and the memory of loved ones who are no longer with us," said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. "This joyful celebration is a way we can pay tribute to our Mexican American community and celebrate the diversity that makes New York City truly one of a kind. On November 2nd, we will see performances, Catrinas, and the rich traditions that embody this vibrant celebration."

"MOIA is proud to celebrate El Día de Muertos in Times Square with our Mexican and Mexican-American communities from across NYC. For Mexicans, Day of the Dead celebrates the tradition of remembrance of our lost loved ones and celebration of their lives," said Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs Commissioner Manuel Castro. "Mexicans are the largest group of immigrants in the United States, including over half a million Mexican and Children of Mexican New Yorkers residing in our five boroughs. We thank DOT for their partnership, especially Commissioner Rodriguez and Tomas Garita, in creating the space to unveil these Catrinas, symbols of pride, memory, and reverence for those who came before us, and for the long-established Mexican communities whose vibrant traditions continue to enliven our city."

The third annual event is part of NYC DOT's Open Streets program and marks the conclusion of the agency's annual Trick-or-Streets celebration throughout October. The Día de Muertos celebration in Times Square will feature a weeklong installation of the traditional Catrinas and other public art and culminates with a host of free public performances on the evening of Sunday, November 2, from 3:30 pm to 9 pm.

The performing artists include Ballet Guadalupano de Staten Island, Mariachi Tapatio, Jerry Ferroz, Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de NY, La Atraktiva, Macao, and more. Live, costumed Catrinas will also be roaming the plaza for free photo opportunities with the public.

The installation and programming are planned in partnership with the Times Square Alliance, the Mexican Consulate, Mi Casa Es Puebla, Mecenas, Zamora Live, Goya, Gromex, and La Fortaleza.