Celebrate Dia De Los Muertos in Times Square Plaza

New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) Commissioner Manuel Castro will be joined by The Times Square Alliance and various community partners to celebrate Dia De Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, in Times Square Plaza. “We welcome all New Yorkers to join us in celebrating Dia De Los Muertos, a joyful holiday that honors the rich cultural traditions of Mexico and the memory of loved ones who are no longer with us.” said NYC DOT Commissioner Rodriguez. “This year the City is taking an unprecedented step in partnering with multiple sponsors to host this major event, giving New Yorkers the opportunity to safely enjoy the holiday and connect as a community. I wish everyone a wonderful night of festivities!”

WHAT: On Thursday November 2nd from 4 to 10 p.m., the city will celebrate the Mexican holiday Dia De Los Muertos at Times Square Plaza with performances, Catrina exhibitions, and altars to honor the rich cultural tradition of Mexico and the memory of deceased loved ones.

WHO:

• Ydanis Rodriguez, NYC DOT Commissioner
• Manuel Castro, MOIA Commissioner
• Tom Harris, Times Square Alliance
• Consul General of Mexico in New York
• The Horticultural Society of New York

WHEN:

• 8:15 p.m. B-Roll opportunity
• 8:30 p.m. Speaking program begins
• Thursday, November 2, 2023

WHERE:

• Times Square Plaza between W 45th and W 47 Streets
• This event will be streamed live.

VISUALS:

• Billboard
• Performances
• Catrinas Exhibition
• Altars

NYC DOT and MOIA would like to thank the following organizations and sponsors who supported the development and production of the Dia de los Muertos event in Times Square Plaza:

• Times Square Alliance
• Mi Familia Vota
• Mi Casa es Puebla
• Chef Grace Ramirez
• Ayuntamiento de Atlixco
• Consulate General of Mexico in New York
• Mexico Secretaria de Turismo
• Mexican Cultural Institue
• Gobierno de Puebla, Mexico
• Justice for Migrant Women
• Mecenas
• Zamora Live
• Aeromexico/Delta
• Jarritos
• Pringles
• Restaurant La Frontera
• Restaurant La Fortaleza
• Tacos el Bronco
• Artesanias Mexicanas
• La Pulperia
• Clear Channel

NYC DOT and MOIA would like to thank the following performers, artists, designers, and models who are participating in the Dia de los Muertos event in Times Square Plaza:

• Mariachi Tapatío de Alvaro Paulino Jr
• Mariachi Junior de Alvaro Paulino
• Flama de México
• Conjunto Dinamico
• Grupo Combinación de México
• Jerry Feroz
• Mazarte Dance Company
• Calpulli Tleth Papalotzi
• Mariachi Talavera
• Danna & Camila
• DJ Jimmy
• José Luis Arcos
• Sharon McDonald
• Pink Magnolia
• Carlos Pineda
• Karla Sarti & Angel Grave
• Alonso Maximo
• Lilian Lara
• Ricardo Seco
• Norma Huembes
• Fatima Yimenez
• Uma Sofia Srivastava
• Stephanie Baltrus
• Norma Huembes
• Alvaro Cuevas
• Leopoldo Gout

“It truly is an honor working with Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and the entire DOT team on this special event, Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead.,” said Pedro Zamora, Founder of MECENAS and President Zamora Entertainment. “It’s a celebration of life and death that originated in Mexico, and it’s celebrated all over Latin America with colorful calaveras (skulls) and calacas (skeletons). We now bring this event to Times Square!

“Dia De Los Muertos is a time of remembrance—a time when we honor the sacrifices of our ancestors and remember the power of our community,” said Héctor Sánchez Barba, CEO and President of Mi Familia Vota. “Many fought for our right to participate civically. Whether that is voting or making our voices heard in the highest corridors of government, this day is a call to action for all Latinos. On this day, we remember the sacrifices others have made to bring us to this moment. To honor those who have passed by engaging in civic participation, now is the time to organize for a better tomorrow.”

“Justice for Migrant Women is proud to be part of this inaugural Dia de Muertos celebration, which uplifts this incredibly important cultural holiday in the Latinx community,” said Mónica Ramírez, Founder and President, Justice for Migrant Women. We are grateful for the opportunity to honor the essential workers who have died by presenting our altar. They have put their lives on the line for all of us, and it is crucial that they are uplifted on this world’s stage.”

“This event is about bringing the community together to embrace culture and our ancestors. This is a celebration of life While honoring the dead during a very difficult time for humanity,” said Chef Grace Ramirez. “During moments like this there is an urgent need to come together in community.”

Contact: (212) 839-4850, press@dot.nyc.gov