Fancy extending spooky season past Halloween? Mexican celebration, the Day of the Dead, might be the perfect solution.
Traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2, Dia de Muertos has its origins in 3,000-year-old Aztec death rituals. These would honour the dead, with family members providing food, water and tools to aid the deceased in their journey to Mictlán, the final resting place. This inspired the Day of the Dead practice in which people leave food or other offerings on their loved ones’ graves, or on floral altars called "ofrendas" in their homes. More modern Day of the Dead traditions stem from Victorian times, hence the style of the festival’s icon, La Calavera Catrina, a skeleton in Victorian dress.The popular Mexican holiday is a time for celebration and has become a hit in the UK over recent years with a number of top bars, restaurants and hotels getting involved. Whilst there have already been a number of parties across the city — as many venues combined the dates with Halloween bashes this past weekend — there are still a few Dia de Muertos events and parties to get involved with.
From tequila-fuelled takeovers to late-night blowouts, this is our last-minute guide to celebrating the Day of the Dead in London.
Vesper Bar x Brujas
The award-winning bar Brujas of Mexico City lands in London this week for a one-night-only takeover at the Dorchester's Vesper bar. Helmed by talented bartender Bianca Bertoli and her Vesper counterpart Lucia Montanelli, the all-female team is set to serve bespoke tequila creations with DJs keeping the party going till late.
November 2, The Dorchester, Park Lane, W1K 1QA, dorchestercollection.com
Mezcaleria Colmillo Soho
Soho's El Pastor hides a gem of a bar beneath it and this week, Mezcaleria Colmillo is set to host a blowout bash on November 3. Mexican DJ Nota Culichi lands in London for her first European gig, with tequila purveyors Herradura providing liquid refreshments. Expect traditional floral ofrendas, dancing till late and a "saludo" to the dearly departed.
November 3, 66-70 Brewer Street, W1F 9UP, tacoselpastor.co.uk
Temper Shoredicth x Cazcabel
This week, Temper are to put down the barbequed meats in favour of Cazcabel at this tequila-fueled Day of the Dead bash. Expect face-painting for that authentic sugar skull look, DJs, naturally, and a fortune teller, alongside the bespoke cocktail list.
November 3, 78 Great Eastern Street, EC2A 3JL, temperrestaurant.com
Silverleaf Bar x Lost Explorer Mezcal
Silverleaf is an elegant little bar housed in the Pan Pacific hotel and this week they’re hosting mezcal maestros Lost Explorers who're leading the charge of this City-based blowout. On from 5pm till late, the party will include myriad music with a live Mariachi band and DJs on hand to see revellers through to the wee hours. Saludo!
November 2, 3 Bishopsgate, EC2M 4JX, panpacific.com
Day of the Dead at Pop Brixton
Pop Brixton might be better known as the incubator for experimental dining, but this week face painting, skull mask workshops and Day of the Dead celebrations take centre stage at this Dia de Muertos Mexican takeover. A family-friendly affair from five, the artist workshops, child-friendly activities and live Mariachi music later make way for DJ sessions and dancing. Something for everyone.
