| Where: | London- Columbia Road Flower Market in Bethnal Green |
| When: | Saturday near 1st November |
| Time: | 11 am until 5pm, with Procession at 2pm |
The Day of the Dead is a festival celebrated primarily in Mexico and Latin American countries, a celebration of the cycle of life and death in which the spirits of departed ancestors are welcomed to visit the living in a short season lasting from the end of October through the start of November, taking in All Saints Day and All Souls Day on 1st and 2nd of November respectively and often involving the decoration of domestic altars and burial grounds. It’s a time for reflection and remembrance as well as celebration. The fiesta is a fusion of ancient Mesoamerican traditions and the Christianity brought by the Spanish conquistadors, and the Columbia Road event, based upon the Mexican Dios de las Muertos, was introduced to the flower market from 2017. Occurring in the same season as Hallowe’en, it shares some of the same ideas but in a completely different way- there’s nothing spooky about it. Displays of bright sweetly-scented marigolds are an essential component as the aroma was believed to help guide the ancestors home, so a flower market is a fitting setting. Typically there will be colourful floral displays, a Day of the Dead costumed cycle ride, appropriate music and dancing and a vibrant procession with distinctive apparel and make-up featuring skulls, flowers, insects, skeletons and more! There are themed children’s activities, arts and crafts, a market, and the local shops should be open for trade and decorated for the occasion. Look out for Pan de Muerto, a festive bread with a distinctive flavour from orange blossom and a sugar glaze. The bread is customarily eaten during the season- the round shape symbolises the circle of life and the bumps on top represent a skull and bones; it’s often accompanied by that other American favourite hot chocolate. Dressing up is encouraged but not compulsory!
Helpful Hints
In 2026 it was on Saturday October 31st- 2027 date is yet to be confirmed. It’s a free festival and all are welcome- no need to book unless you’re taking part in the cycle ride. Many of the participants in the parade will be in the area well before it sets off and it’s easier to get some photos then than when the procession is in full swing, as it gets very crowded.
Other locations celebrating Day of the Dead in the UK include Camden Market and the Horniman Museum, but the annual fixture at Columbia Road is perhaps the best-known and longest established as a regular fixture.
Visit the links below for the full schedule, with timings and locations.
Click here for the Flower Market website:https://columbiaroad.info
and Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100048384674176
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