The spirit of Mexico in the heart of London
What is the Day of the Dead and how London celebrates it
"The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living." – Marcus Tullius Cicero
The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a Mexican holiday celebrated worldwide. Although it differs significantly from Halloween, awareness of the Day of the Dead has recently increased in the United Kingdom.
Despite its name, which might suggest something scary, this holiday, celebrated on November 2nd, is a way to honour our departed loved ones. Mexicans believe these souls return on this special day to celebrate, raise a shot of tequila, and enjoy traditional cuisine.
One of the most significant symbols of this beautiful event is the sugar skull — a representation of the departed souls thought to still be among us. Sugar skulls can be decorated in many colours, and people often paint them on their faces.
Pixar's animated film Coco has had a meaningful impact on the growing awareness of this holiday. The main character, Miguel, emphasizes the importance of remembering our departed relatives as they continue to live on in our memories. It is a charming, memorable, and family-friendly film that resonated with audiences worldwide.
This growing recognition became evident in London over the last few years. If you're looking for something to do on November 2nd and 3rd, there are plenty of options: a boat party for those who love the Thames, a rave party for night owls, or a rooftop party for fans of heights!
However, our favourite event remains the Day of the Dead festival at Hackney Bridge, which celebrates traditions that welcome all nationalities.
Day of the Dead Festival
Hackney Bridge
Food plays a central role in celebrating the Day of the Dead. Upon arriving at the Hackney Bridge festival, you are immediately captivated by the variety of delicious dishes, many of which you may have never tried before, such as tamales or atole.
In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in Mexican restaurants in London, each eagerly claiming to offer the most authentic experience. However, nothing matches the flavours and traditions found in the dishes celebrated during the Day of the Dead festival. To ensure you don't miss out next year, I have made a list of the best food you need to try.
Elote
Elote perfectly represents what you envision when you think of Mexican street food — simple yet mouth-watering ingredients that combine to create an unforgettable dish. The sweet and smoky grilled corn is covered in mayonnaise, adding some creamy texture, and topped with salty cotija cheese - similar to parmesan - and chilli powder.
You can also squeeze fresh lime juice over it to add a zesty tang that dances on your taste buds.
Carnitas
If you have a passion for Mexican cuisine, you are probably familiar with carnitas. If not, let me explain: "carnitas" translates to "little meats," which is precisely what you will savour: succulent, slow-cooked pork bits perfectly complemented with roasted jalapeños, creamy guacamole, and a splash of lime juice. In the past, it was considered because cooking the meat was a complicated process — but today, carnitas are commonly served at Mexican celebrations, so be sure not to miss out on this delicious dish!
Birria Tacos
You've likely heard of the wildly popular dish that has exploded all over the place throughout the last few years. Birria, with its roots in the vibrant region of Guadalajara — dating back to the 16th century — demonstrates that the British audience's fascination with Mexican food has increased significantly over the last few years.
Traditionally, savouring goat meat— or even succulent beef or lamb — is slow-cooked to perfection in a rich adobo sauce made of chillies, spices, and vinegar. Once cooked, it is separated from the broth and lovingly served in a warm corn tortilla, with a cup of that delicious broth on the side. You won't believe how incredibly delicious and juicy this is!
A British food creator's video recipe for Birria tacos has garnered nearly 10 million views and one million likes.
Amid the intense competition in locations for celebrating the Day of the Dead - shown in the map above - the Hackney Bridge festival stands out with a charm that simply cannot be duplicated: it has a soul. The festival organiser Paola Feregrino revealed that they have had to relocate from their previous venue due to an overwhelming surge in visitors - a true testament to the rising popularity.
"I think we still haven't found the right location, we're still looking. We are a community event, so we don't have big sponsors. Sometimes it is hard to find renowned London venues because this is a free festival."
During the joyful celebration of life and death, visitors are captivated by ofrendas — traditional altars decorated with candles, marigolds and photographs meant to invite the souls of departed ones to the festivities.
The resin from copal trees produces a smoky aroma, which adds a mystical element to the celebration and purifies the area for the returning spirits.
This follows a dazzling Day of the Dead parade—anand unforgettable spectacle that unites people of all backgrounds to honour the past while celebrating the present.
The participants wear outfits inspired by La Catrina, an iconic figure symbolising death in Mexican culture, and costumes adorned with flowers and sugar skulls.
However, dancing is one of the most essential components of the Day of the Dead festival. The event at the Hackney Bridge features "La Cucaracha," a popular song about a cockroach who cannot walk. Rooted in Spanish tradition, it evolved into a famous ritual during the Mexican Revolution in the 1910s.
Nowadays, "La Cucaracha" has become a staple for commemorating the deceased and is enjoyed by audiences of all ages.
In addition to dancing, music plays a vital role in the Day of the Dead festivals. Pablo Aguilar, the leader of the Mariachi el Mexicano band, has shared his thoughts on the significance of this colourful celebration.
Pablo, a renowned artist in the United States and Europe, moved to London two years ago due to the increasing interest in Mexican culture. As the Day of the Dead captures more local attention each year, his band experiences a particularly busy time during the celebrations.
"These events are full of emotions, but they are very demanding. We came after two gigs, which were very nice but very tiring. And we've got to do another two gigs today."
"But I feel I get all this energy from the dead ones who joined us today. Our traditions say that the departed loved ones come with us to dance, eat and get drunk."
"So maybe, in the end, they gave me that energy!"
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