New York City came alive with the spirit of Día de Muertos as Times Square hosted its second annual celebration, a testament to the city’s vibrant Mexican community and its rich cultural heritage. With the support of organizations like the Mexican Consulate Nyc, the event transformed the iconic crossroads of the world into a colorful and moving tribute to loved ones passed.
Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez of the NYC Department of Transportation and Commissioner Manuel Castro of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs jointly announced this significant event, which took place on Saturday, November 2nd. The celebration was a rich tapestry of live performances, traditional altars, captivating public art, and the awe-inspiring presence of four grand Catrinas, the elegant skeleton figures synonymous with Día de Muertos. These iconic statues served as poignant reminders of the holiday’s core message: honoring and remembering those who are no longer with us in a joyful and celebratory manner.
“New York City’s strength lies in its diversity, a mosaic built by generations who have championed the myriad cultures that enrich our city,” stated NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “Celebrating Día de Muertos is a profound way to honor our Mexican American community, and in doing so, we celebrate the very essence of New York. November 2nd saw Times Square filled with performances, the majestic Catrinas, and the deep-rooted traditions of this celebration. By embracing one culture, we embrace all that makes New York City a uniquely dynamic and diverse global hub.”
Commissioner Manuel Castro of MOIA echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the growing importance of the Times Square event on a global scale. “The annual Día de Muertos week-long celebration in Times Square has become the most widely attended Day of the Dead event outside of Mexico, and potentially the most significant within the United States. As a proud Mexican New Yorker and Immigrant Affairs Commissioner, I am immensely proud of this. Times Square, the Crossroads of the World, is the perfect stage to celebrate our cultures and communities, showcasing that our city’s diversity is indeed our strength,” Commissioner Castro remarked. He further extended gratitude to key partners, including DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, the Times Square Alliance, the Mexican Consulate, and the States of Puebla and Aguascalientes, alongside the artists and community members who collectively brought the celebration to life.
Edward Mermelstein, Commissioner for the NYC Mayor’s Office for International Affairs, highlighted the unifying power of the event. “Día de Muertos is a powerful celebration of life, remembrance, and the rich cultural legacy the Mexican community brings to New York City. This Times Square event exemplifies the unity that binds us, demonstrating how diverse traditions enrich our city’s vibrant identity,” Commissioner Mermelstein noted. He also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of Mayor Eric Adams, NYC DOT, MOIA, the Times Square Alliance, and notably, the Mexican Consulate, for their dedication in bringing this beautiful tradition to the heart of New York.
Carlos Gerardo Izzo, Spokesperson for the Consulate General of Mexico in New York, expressed sincere appreciation for the collaborative spirit that made the event possible. “On behalf of the Consulate General of Mexico in New York, we deeply thank Mayor Eric Adams, Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, Commissioner Manuel Castro, Commissioner Edward Mermelstein, the Times Square Alliance, and the governments of Puebla and Aguascalientes, and all contributors,” stated Mr. Izzo. He further emphasized the significance of hosting Día de Muertos in such an iconic location: “Bringing Mexico’s ancient traditions to Times Square allows us to share the uniquely Mexican perspective of death as a joyful transition, embraced with gratitude for life lived and the legacies left behind.” The involvement of the Mexican Consulate NYC underscores the cultural importance and authenticity of the celebration.
This second annual Día de Muertos celebration was integrated into NYC DOT’s Open Streets program, marking the culmination of the city’s extensive Trick-or-Streets festivities throughout October. The week leading up to the main event saw Times Square adorned with the traditional Catrinas and various public art installations, setting the stage for the evening of free public performances on Saturday, November 2nd, from 4 pm to 9 pm.
The vibrant program of performing artists included 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, offering a diverse showcase of Mexican artistic expression. Adding to the immersive atmosphere, live, costumed Catrinas mingled with the crowds, providing memorable photo opportunities for attendees.
The planning and execution of this significant cultural event were made possible through the collaborative partnerships between the Times Square Alliance, the Mexican Consulate, Mi Casa Es Puebla, Mecenas, and Zamora Live, highlighting the collective commitment to celebrating and sharing Mexican culture within New York City.
