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Dia de Los Muertos, the traditional Mexican holiday that honors the dead, entered the American cultural zeitgeist in the past decade in large part thanks to Hollywood movies like Coco.
This fall, our continued fascination with the Day of the Dead will go beyond TV screens and be in full, tactile display at Grand Central Terminal, thanks to a huge floral display that will stand smack dab in the middle of one of the city’s busiest train stations.
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This won’t be just any floral display—it’s going to be an interpretation of an ofrenda, which means “offering” in Spanish. Traditionally, ofrendas are crafted during Dia de los Muertos and created out of flowers, candles, paper, and other materials and are accompanied with food and water that people leave out for their ancestors.
The massive ofrenda will be built by Raúl Àvila, the iconic florist mastermind behind Met Gala decor, who is using thousands of marigolds to create the stunning display. Make sure to plan ahead if you want to check out the ofrenda—New Yorkers will be able to enjoy his creation for two days only, starting on Tuesday, October 29, and ending on Wednesday, October 30.
The giant offering, which will be called "Living Ofrenda," will be supported by Espolòn Tequila, which means that there will some booze options on deck, obviously. Guests who are over 21 will be able to sample the brand's newest liquor, Flor de Oro, which is inspired by the marigolds—a flower that is native to Central and South America—and used extensively during the beloved holiday.
The goal of the installation will be to educate the public on elements of Hispanic culture and encourage conversations and awareness around the holiday.
This year, Dia de Los Muertos will fall on November 1 and 2. On that weekend, you'll be able to find plenty of Dia de Los Muertos themed events and parties around the city. Make sure to check out our guide to the best events of the Halloween season here.