Day of the Dead Festival
A celebration of life and a bridge between cultures.
The Day of the Dead Festival began as a community initiative to share the beauty and meaning of Mexico’s Día de Muertos traditions with Canadians. It was founded in 2016 by Fabiola Yzeta-Vincent and has become the largest of its kind in Canada, growing each year and bringing more people together to honor life and loved ones.
The BMDA’s very own content creator is going on the other side of the lens and hosting the event on Saturday and Sunday as your MC for the weekend, keeping the energy high and the crowd engaged from start to finish!
To give you a complete overview of the festival and help you plan your visit to the ByWard Market District, we’ve listed all the unique events taking place throughout the weekend – here’s what the three-days long celebration has in store for you:
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31
3:30 – 8:30 p.m. – Day of the Dead Night Market
William Street
Explore artisan vendors, art exhibitions, and authentic Mexican cuisine throughout the afternoon.
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. – Musical Performance by Dayan Salazar
George Street Plaza, Main Stage
Celebrated Mexican singer brings the passion and rhythm of Mexico to life.
5:00 – 5:45 p.m. – Costume Contest
George Street Plaza, Main Stage
Celebrate the spirit of Día de Muertos in style and showcase your most creative and traditional costumes.
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. – Live Band “UNO”
George Street Plaza, Main Stage
Rock the night away with high-energy Latin music and dance.
8:00 p.m. – End of Program / Vendor Teardown
William Street and George Street Plaza
Vendors pack up for the night
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1
12:00 p.m. – Welcoming Remarks
Main Stage, ByWard Market Square & York Street
12:10 – 1:10 p.m. – Mariachi Band “Los Paisanos” & Flora Flores
Main Stage, ByWard Market Square & York Street
A joyful mariachi performance filled with colour and tradition.
1:15 – 2:15 p.m. – Folkloric Ballet of the Autonomous University of Tamaulipas
Main Stage, ByWard Market Square & York Street
Traditional dances from Tamaulipas with live musicians — their Canadian debut.
2:30 – 2:45 p.m. – Cultural Spotlight Segment: Héritage Colombien
Main Stage, ByWard Market Square & York Street
Discover how Colombia honours and remembers their departed through dance and ritual.
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Day of the Dead Procession
Starting at William Street & George Street Corner
Join the Catrin & Catrina parade featuring Mexxi-Arts’ giant characters and the Thunderous Drums of the Northeast of Brazil.
4:00 – 4:30 p.m. – Concert by Maracatuque
Main Stage, ByWard Market Square & York Street
Experience the irresistible rhythms of Northeast Brazil.
4:45 – 5:30 p.m. – Salsa Workshop with José Sandoval & Salsa Force
Main Stage, ByWard Market Square & York Street
Learn salsa basics in a lively group workshop — no experience needed.
5:30 – 6:00 p.m. – Dance Competition
Main Stage, ByWard Market Square & York Street
Show off your moves and compete for prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.
6:00 – 8:30 p.m. – “Rattle Your Bones” Dance Party with Caribbean Latin Roots Band
Main Stage, ByWard Market Square & York Street
Dance into the night to colourful costumes and infectious beats.
All Day (12:00 – 6:00 p.m.) – Children’s Zone
EQ3 Plaza & ByWard Market Square at George Street
Free workshops and games: piñata-making, colouring, sugar-skull masks, tote-bag painting, carnival games, and face painting.
All Day (11:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.) – Artisan Market & Food Stalls
William Street & York Street, ByWard Market
Browse handmade goods, art exhibits, and taste traditional Mexican cuisine.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. – Performance by Dayan Salazar
Main Stage, ByWard Market Square & York Street
A dynamic musical performance full of emotion and cultural pride.
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. – Folkloric Ballet of the Autonomous University of Tamaulipas
Main Stage, ByWard Market Square & York Street
Traditional dance from Tamaulipas accompanied by live music.
2:15 – 3:15 p.m. – Mariachi “Los Paisanos” & Flora Flores
Main Stage, ByWard Market Square & York Street
Joyful and authentic mariachi celebration of sound and culture.
3:15 – 4:15 p.m. – Dance Performance by “Viva México” & Workshop
Main Stage, ByWard Market Square & York Street
Join local performers to learn traditional Mexican dance steps.
4:15 – 4:30 p.m. – Brother H Performance
Main Stage, ByWard Market Square & York Street
A Mexican artist embodying the spirit and soul of his culture.
4:45 – 5:45 p.m. – Nada Q’ Perder (Latin Rock Tribute Band)
Main Stage, ByWard Market Square & York Street
Ottawa’s Latin Rock tribute band brings nostalgic hits from the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s.
6:00 p.m. – End of Event
Main Stage & William Street Area
All Day (11:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.) – Artisan Market & Food Stalls
William Street & York Street, ByWard Market
Explore art exhibits, handmade crafts, and savour traditional food.
All Day (12:00 – 6:00 p.m.) – Children’s Zone
EQ3 Plaza & ByWard Market Square Street Corner at George Street
Creative activities and games for all ages: piñata-making, colouring, masks, painting, and carnival games.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Mexican Food Sampling – Saturday & Sunday Afternoons
William Street
Taste pan de muerto, Mexican hot chocolate, and tamales.
Indoor Altar Exhibitions
Celebrate life, honor tradition, explore Latin culture, and be part of the Day of the Dead Festival, right here in the heart of the ByWard Market District.
