How to celebrate Day of the Dead in Toronto

Day of the Day events in Toronto continue on after you've packed away your Halloween costume. Leave the fanfare behind and celebrate your lost loved ones while taking part in this annual Mexican tradition that typically takes place between October 31 and November 2. These celebrations are anything but somber, so get ready to taste so authentic Mexican food and drink, hear some live music, and dance the day (or night) away.

Here's where to celebrate the Day of the Dead in Toronto.

Royal Ontario Museum (October 30)
One of the first Day of the Dead celebrations to hit the city is being hosted by the ROM. Here you'll get some historic background on the Day of the Dead, provided by Chloe Sayer, a Research Associate in the Department of World Cultures at the ROM. If you want to stick around for a more lively celebration, Friday Night Live happens the same evening.

The Kingston Social (October 30)
Head to the Kingston Social on October 30th for a day of sugar skull crafting. If arts and crafts aren't your thing, there will also be food, music, and dancing.

Wychwood Barns (October 31)
Wychwood Barns will be hosting its Day of the Dead party on the same day as Halloween (it kicks off at 4 p.m., so you won't have to pick favourites). The event will feature an Aztec dance ceremony, traditional Mexican food, music, arts and crafts, performances, workshops, and more.

Evergreen Brick Works (November 1)
If you can muster up the strength to leave your bed the morning after Halloween, head to the Evergreen Brick Works for a Day of the Dead celebration. The event will feature live Latin music and dance, plus a ton of traditional food and drink.

The Holy Oak (November 1)
The Holy Oak is celebrating life and death at its Viva la Vida! Viva la Muerte! event. The evening's soundtrack will be performed by Alec Dempster with Tlacuatzin Son Huasteco from Veracruz. If you're a fan of traditional Mexican fare, tamales and pan de muerto will be up for sale, with proceeds going to Schools Welcome Refugees.

El Catrin (November 2)
If you want to liven up your day of the day Festivities, head to El Catrin on November 2nd. Canada's top flair bartenders will be going head to head, there will be free tequila samples, and you can you can get yourself some of the best Mexican food Toronto has to offer.

Harbourfront Centre (November 7)
The Harbourfront Centre will celebrate Day of the Dead on November 7th. Bringing Mexican traditions to Toronto, there will be performances by Mariachi Los Gallos, calavera decorating, displays of Mexican folk art and more.

What did I miss? Add where you'll be celebrating Day of the Dead to the comments. Photo by Shayne Gray in the blogTO Flickr pool.

by Alice Prendergast via blogTO