At the Bronx's NYBG, Giant Monarch Puppets Roam the Children's Adventure Garden Oct. 24–25

Giant monarch butterfly puppets take over the Everett Children's Adventure Garden at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx on October 24 and 25. They roam the area from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days as part of the Garden's Día de los Muertos celebration, and viewing is included with the All-Garden Pass.

The puppets are the work of internationally known artist Lucrecia Novoa, whose Mascara Viva uses masks, costumes, storytelling and dance to build large-scale characters that interpret traditions across cultures. For NYBG she made a towering La Catrina and the monarchs, and visitors are invited to stop for photos up close.

The monarch is among North America's largest and most recognizable butterflies, with orange, black and white wings. Each winter millions migrate to Southern California and the high mountains of central Mexico, then return north in spring to begin the cycle again, a fitting companion to the holiday's themes of memory and renewal.

The same weekend brings more to see. Son Pecadores, a New York collective playing son jarocho from Veracruz, performs at the entrance to the Children's Adventure Garden at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. Artist Blanka Amezkua leads papel picado and silk flower workshops from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Día de los Muertos runs through November 2, with a community ofrenda and a trail of marigolds.