How to celebrate Day of the Dead 2016 in Toronto

Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, celebrations in Toronto showcase a Mexican tradition rich with history, beautiful costumes, and face paint. It's a day to remember loved ones and help them on their way to the afterlife with music, food, parades and parties now celebrated around the world in the days before and after October 31.

Here are my picks for Day of the Dead celebrations in Toronto for 2016.

Day of the Dead (Nichola Feldman Art and Design, Oct. 28-Nov. 4)
On the opening night of artist Nichola Feldman Kiss's Dead of the Dead show, the art gallery will be transformed into the Death Cafe where folks can come in, have a snack and a drink and discuss death. Space is limited, so register in advance.

The Sinai Soiree (CBC Atrium, Oct. 29)
The CBC Atrium will be transformed into a Dia de los Muertos street party in support of Women's and Infants' Health at Sinai Health System. Get dressed up for this 7th annual mega bash. Tickets are pricey, but they're for a good cause.

Dia de Muertos at Barrio (Barrio, Oct. 29)
The east end's newest Mexican hot spot celebrates with a special Day of the Dead menu until November 1. But the real party's on October 29 with drink specials, DJs and lots of dancing.

Day of the Dead Celebration (Evergreen Brick Works, Oct. 30)
Evergreen Brick Works hosts a special celebration of Latin American culture, including food, music, dancing and the dead. There will be storytelling, a Latin Mercado, cooking demos, mezcal tastings, live music, skull face painting and a walk in the ravine. This one's usually extremely busy, so be ready for crowds.

Daytime Fiesta (The Rockpile West, Oct. 31)
Head to this daytime mini-fiesta inspired by the beautiful art of the Day of the Dead at The Rockpile. This isn't an official Dia de dos Muertos party, so don't expect anything too traditional.

Celebracin del Da de los Muertos (Artscape Wychwood Barns, Oct. 31)
This annual celebration is thrown by Toronto's own Día de los Muertos Collective. They help bring together musicians, Mexica (Aztec) dancers, culinary creators, artisans, visual artists and performers for this party celebrating the dead. Be sure to bring a marigold (yellow-orange) flower to place in the community altar.

Grab Pan de Muerto (Pancho's Bakery, Nov. 1-2)
Pancho's's brings a healthy dose of tradition to Day of the Dead celebrations. Not only are they participating in pretty much every major party in the city, but they're also selling Pan De Muertos (a soft sweet bread) at all their locations for two days only.

El Catrin Day of the Dead(El Catrin, Nov. 2)
El Jimador tequila is sponsoring the annual party at the Distillery District restaurant El Catrin. There will be cocktails, DJs, a Mariachi band, face painting and giveaways.

Day of the Dead at the Harbourfront (Harbourfront Centre, Nov. 5-6)
Harbourfront Centre is another big spot for Day of the Dead revelry. It's spread out over two days with live musical performances, a skeleton puppet show, a Mariachi band and a giant alter to leave your ofrendas.

Dia de los Muertos at 950 Dupont Street (950 Dupont St., Nov. 5)
Get your tickets in advance to this deadly party in a brand new loft and event space on Dupont. There will be face painting, food, art and performance from Nature of Music,
Paul Revered and Sam Haze. Dress in your best death attire and arrive for 10 p.m.

Lucha Libre (Lee's Palace, Nov. 6)
Watch as Mexico's top lucha libre wrestlers "collide in a Dia de los Muertos intergalactic SmackDown." There will be lots of human flinging action in between sets by the Cybertronic Spree. Get your tickets here.

What did I miss? Add where you'll be celebrating Day of the Dead to the comments.

Photo by Richard Cawood.

by Phil Villeneuve via blogTO