Today marks Day of the Dead, or Dia de lost Muertos, a Mexican national holiday that focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. So in light of the tough times that have hit the city, it feels like the right time for it to be falling. If you want to celebrate it, here are few places that can help you:
Celebrate tonight at Gran Electrica‘s Day of the Dead Party in Dumbo. The event features a Mexican menu with tamales, mole poblanos, and tequila cocktail specials. Dinner goes from 6pm to midnight, but the party starts at 9pm with a live Mexican brass band, DJ Blaky Dos, make-up stations and complimentary welcome drinks and specialty cocktails. 5 Front Street, (718) 852-2789, DUMBO
Or, if you’re culturally astute, head over to South Williamsburg to check out Spectacle Theater’s film series called, “Buñuel in Mexico,” which features films by Spanish master Luis Buñuel made during his quasi-exile in Mexico while the Franco regime was in power in Spain. The series lasts all month and kicks off tonight. 124 South 3rd Street, Williamsburg
And on Sunday, Observatory will host a Day of the Dead/Halloween mashup party presented by Borderline Projects and Morbid Anatomy. There will be Aztec dances and chants, tacos catered by Oaxaca, episodes of The Midnight Archive, tequila, music, sugar skulls, a Day of the Dead Altar and, a chance to strike a mortal blow to the piñata of Lady Death herself! $5 (includes one free drink), 5pm, 543 Union Street, Gowanus.