Program highlights
The shape of the day
Opening ceremony
A traditional welcome to honour ancestors and set the tone for the day.
Live performances
Mariachi, folkloric dance, and contemporary cultural expressions.
Altar walkthroughs
Guided visits to understand the meaning behind each ofrenda.
Community moments
Spaces for reflection, storytelling, and shared remembrance.
Closing ceremony
A collective candlelight tribute.
Full schedule coming soon
Set times for every stage and workshop will be published here ahead of the event.
Site map coming soon
A map of Nathan Phillips Square showing stages, ofrendas, the Mercadito and the Calaveritas Zone.
Altar
Ofrenda
The heart of Day of the Dead is the altar, or ofrenda, traditionally built in homes and cemeteries. Rather than a place of worship, the ofrenda is a space of welcome, a way to invite loved ones back to the world of the living.
Ofrenda means offering, a gesture of love, memory, and the legacy we carry forward.
Each altar is carefully prepared with meaningful elements: water to quench thirst after the long journey, favourite foods, family photographs, and a candle for every soul being remembered. For children, small toys are often included, honouring their innocence and joy.
Marigolds, or cempasúchitl, are the guiding flowers of the tradition. Their vibrant colour and scent are believed to lead spirits home, with petals often forming a path from the altar to their place of rest.
Each ofrenda tells a story: of love that continues, of memory that endures, and of a connection that never fades.
Create your ofrenda
Honouring those who came before us
At the heart of Day of the Dead are the altars, spaces of love, memory, and connection. Each ofrenda tells a story through photographs, candles, marigolds, food, and personal objects.
We welcome:
Community altars
Family tributes
Institutional installations
info@dayofthedeadtoronto.comParticipate with an ofrenda
Create and showcase your own traditional altar for a chance to win. The first-place winner of the Altar Competition will receive a plane ticket.