NYC DOT and Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Host Día De Muertos Celebration in Times Square

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IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1, 2024
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NYC DOT and Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs Host Día De Muertos Celebration in Times Square

Catrina for 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 second annual Día de Muertos celebration in Times Square will take place on Saturday, November 2. The event will feature live performances, altars, public art, and the display of four 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.

"New York City is constantly evolving, shaped by generations who have fought to honor the diverse cultures that make this city the best place to be," said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. "Celebrating Día de Muertos is a way to pay tribute to our Mexican American community, and in doing so, we celebrate all New Yorkers. On November 2nd, we will see performances, Catrinas, and the rich traditions that embody this vibrant celebration. When we embrace one culture, we embrace all the cultures that make New York City such a dynamic and diverse city."

"The annual Day of the Dead week-long celebration in Times Square is the most widely viewed Day of the Dead event outside of Mexico and perhaps now the most significant in the United States. I'm incredibly proud of this, not only as the Immigrant Affairs Commissioner, but also as a proud Mexican New Yorker. Our city's diversity is our strength, and what better place to celebrate our cultures and communities than the iconic Crossroads of the World," said MOIA Commissioner Manuel Castro. "Thank you to DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, the Times Square Alliance, the Mexican Consulate, the State of Puebla and Aguascalientes, and all our partners-especially the artists and community members-who have made this celebration possible."

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

The second annual event is part of NYC DOT's Open Streets program and marks the conclusion of the agency's largest-ever Trick-or-Streets celebration throughout October. The Día de Muertos celebration in Times Square featured a weeklong installation of the traditional Catrinas and other public art and culminates with a host of free public performances on the evening of Saturday, November 2, from 4 pm to 9 pm.

The performing artists include Ballet Folklorico de Mexico en NY, El Mariachi Tapatio de Alvaro Paulino con el Ballet Tapatio, El Mariachi Tapatio Junior, La Atraktiva, Jerry Feroz y su Banda, MACAO, Balet Guadalupano, and La Comparza Azteca.

Live, costumed Catrinas will also be roaming the plaza for free photo opportunities with the public.

The installation and programming is planned in partnership with the Times Square Alliance, the Mexican Consulate, Mi Casa Es Puebla, Mecenas, and Zamora Live.

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