At the Bronx's NYBG, a Month-Long Día de los Muertos Brings Marigolds, Puppets and a Parade

The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx is running a Día de los Muertos celebration from October 3 through November 2, new to the Garden this year. Marigold blooms, a community ofrenda, artfully arranged calaveras and a larger-than-life Catrina adorned with flowers line a route led by friendly "spirit guides," set among golden fall foliage and festive pumpkins. The Garden frames it as a celebration of memory, life and renewal.

Several of the busiest days are still ahead. On October 24 and 25, Bronx-based teaching artist Blanka Amezkua leads workshops from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on papel picado, the traditional Mexican art of cut-paper banners (participants make miniature ones), and on silk flowers to wear and take home. At the entrance to the Everett Children's Adventure Garden, Son Pecadores, a collective of New York-based jaraneros, plays son jarocho at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. The style comes from Veracruz and blends indigenous, Spanish and African influences. Monarch butterfly puppets also roam the Children's Adventure Garden.

On October 31 and November 2, workshops run 1 to 5 p.m. Giant La Catrina and skeleton puppets by Mascara Viva move through the grounds, and MAZarte Dance Company performs Mexican folk dances every half hour, including "La Bruja" from Veracruz, danced with candles on the head.

On October 31 from 2 to 3 p.m., the Bronx Children's Museum reads An Ofrenda for Perro, followed by a clay-and-watercolor alebrije workshop recommended for ages 4 to 10. The Día de los Muertos parade steps off Sunday, November 1 at 2 p.m. The trail and the Children's Adventure Garden close at 5 p.m. on November 1 and 2.

Visitors can honor loved ones by adding a photograph or written memory to the community altar. Everything left there becomes part of the installation and is not returned, and offerings of food and candles are not permitted.