Halloween is on everyone’s mind, but just around the corner is our favorite day of remembrance, Día de Muertos. This year, North Burial Ground’s (NBG) Día de Muertos celebration will look a little different than in years past. Because the day falls on a Sunday, they want to allow folks to come and leave ofrendas on their altar all weekend. They will have the base of the altar constructed and ready on 10/31, and you’re welcome to come through Saturday and Sunday to leave an ofrenda or add decoration to the altar, whenever is convenient for you. They will have extended evening hours at the cemetery with the car gates closing late (time still TBD) during the week.
On Sunday, 2 November, volunteers from Brown University will arrive at 11 AM, and they’ll have paper flower kits, paper frames to decorate your photo, and children’s books about Día de Muertos. They invite you to bring your friends and family, a picnic, and to celebrate Día de Muertos in their cemetery. Especially if you are far from the graves of your ancestors and loved ones, we want you to think of this place as your go-to.
At 5:30, they’ll be gathering for a short candlelighting ceremony, with the opportunity to share stories of our beloved friends and family who have started their journey before us. If you can’t join them for the ceremony, you can leave a name to be read out loud as we welcome the spirits to the land of the living
They’re keeping things simple this year, but the spirits of our friends, family, and ancestors will be welcome at North Burial Ground, and they hope you’ll join them for a few moments to remember them.

