From Friday, October 27 through Thursday, November 2, the iconic Plaza is hosting their third annual “Mexico Week” alongside Tequila Casa Dragones, which will include everything from musical performances to colorful art installations and cultural activities.
It’s all to celebrate the “Day of the Dead” in NYC, a tradition in Mexico that allows people to mourn and then celebrate loved ones who have passed on by creating ofrendas (offerings) to them, sharing memories and spending time in their spiritual presence.
“Mexico Week” is also in partnership with the Consulate General of Mexico in New York and the Mexican Cultural Institute, honoring 200+ years of Mexico’s independence.
This year’s celebration will specifically highlight Mexican artist Daniel Valero of Mestiz design studio based in San Miguel de Allende. He will be responsible for the 2023 ofrenda, “Los Dos Soles.” Valero will showcase a similar ofrenda at a Casa Dragones at the same time. An ofrenda is a display altar dedicated to those who have passed away.
Los Dos Soles will be a “symbolic portal to San Miguel de Allende.” New Yorkers will be able to honor their loved ones by pinning letters or photos to the back of the ofrenda in remembrance.
“Los Dos Soles asks guests to embrace the duality of life and death, acknowledging them as integral facets of our collective human journey.” adds Daniel Valero, Mexican architect and designer of Mestiz. “This year’s ofrenda transcends the boundaries of space and time, allowing guests to take in the shared elements and colors that unite altars located in two distant locations, fostering a rich and cross-cultural perspective.”
According to the press release, the 2023 event programming is as follows:
- Friday, October 27: Ofrenda open to the public (all day)
- 11am: Ofrenda unveiling ceremony & opening remarks @ Center Plaza at 30 Rock
- 11am-1pm: Traditional Day of the Dead Catrina face painting
- 12pm-1pm: Performances by TONO and Mariachi bands
- 12pm-5pm: Timed altar participation, including photo-taking opportunities and tributes.
- 12pm-5pm: Casa Dragones samplings with special offers for purchase at Morrells’s Wine & Spirits
- Saturday, October 28: Ofrenda open to the public (all day)
- 12pm – 3pm: Traditional Day of the Dead Catrina face painting
- 12pm – 5pm: Timed altar participation, including photo-taking opportunities and tributes.
- 1pm: 15-30 min Mariachi performance
- 1:30pm: TONO performance by Mexican dancer and choreographer Diego Vega Solorza
- 12pm-5pm: Casa Dragones samplings with special offers for purchase at Morrells’s Wine & Spirits
- Sunday, October 29: Ofrenda open to the public (all day)
- 12pm – 3pm: Traditional Day of the Dead Catrina face painting
- 12pm – 5pm: Timed altar participation, including photo-taking opportunities and tributes.
- 1pm: 15-30 min Mariachi performance
- 1:30pm: TONO performance by Mexican dancer and choreographer Diego Vega Solorza
- Monday, October 30 – Thursday, November 2nd: Ofrenda open to the public (all day)
- 12pm-2pm: Casa Dragones samplings with special offers for purchase at Morrells’s Wine & Spirits
- 12pm-3pm: Timed altar participation, including photo-taking opportunities and tributes.
Check it out at Rockefeller Center between 49th and 50th Streets and Fifth and Sixth Aves! Stay up to date on the latest happenings at Rockefeller Center here.
When: October 27 – November 2
Where: Rockefeller Center