Dia de los Muertos - Day of the Dead Celebrations: Must-See New Jersey Festivals for 2025

Day Of The Dead Celebrations. A Guide to NJ events

Photo Courtesy Day of the Dead

Bright marigolds, sugar skulls, and live music return each fall as Día de los Muertos events light up New Jersey.
Rooted in Mexican tradition, this holiday honors loved ones with color, joy, and community. Families remember, tell stories, and celebrate life together.

Día de los Muertos is not Halloween. The focus is not fear or spooky themes. Families build ofrendas, cook favorite foods, and invite the spirits of those who have passed. The mood is warm, respectful, and full of life.

This guide rounds up standout day of the dead celebrations NJ will host in 2025. Expect altars, music, dance, hands-on art, and great food. Whether you grew up with these traditions or are curious to learn, you will find a welcoming space.

The History and Traditions of Dia de los Muertos in New Jersey

Día de los Muertos dates back to pre-Hispanic cultures in Mexico. Over time, it blended with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. The belief is simple and beautiful. Once a year, loved ones return to visit, and families welcome them with light, scent, music, and food.

In New Jersey, larger public celebrations began in the 1980s as the Mexican community grew in cities like Newark, New Brunswick, and parts of South Jersey. Cultural centers, schools, and libraries now host workshops and altars. The result is a statewide celebration that keeps traditions strong and invites everyone to learn.

Common elements you will see:

  • Ofrendas with photos, candles, cempasúchil, papel picado, and favorite foods
  • Calaveras de azúcar, often decorated during family-friendly workshops
  • Mariachi music, ballet folklórico, and storytelling for all ages

New Jersey’s Celebration Style

New Jersey brings energy and local pride to the holiday. You will find outdoor festivals, community altars, craft stations, and performances. Schools and museums help teach the meaning behind each symbol. Many events welcome contributions to a shared altar, so bring a photo or a small memento if you wish.

Key Takeaways

  • Día de los Muertos celebrates life, love, and memory, not fear
  • New Jersey hosts both large festivals and warm neighborhood events
  • Many gatherings include altars, crafts, mariachi, and folk dance
  • Families, friends, and visitors are all welcome to participate
  • Plan ahead, some events fill fast and offer limited capacity

2025 Día de los Muertos Events in New Jersey

Washington Boro: Día de los Muertos Celebration

  • Date and time: Thursday, October 23, 2025, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
  • Location: Veterans Park, 44 E. Washington Ave
  • Details: Intimate, family-friendly, and educational. Organized by local groups and businesses for a heartfelt community feel. Strong focus on the true meaning of the holiday.
  • Info on Washington Boro event

New Brunswick: Último Domingo, Día de los Muertos at the Zimmerli Art Museum

  • Date and time: Sunday, October 26, 2025, 1 to 3 p.m.
  • Location: Zimmerli Art Museum, 71 Hamilton St
  • Details: Free festival with an ofrenda, art making, sugar skull decorating, tissue paper marigolds, live music, and sometimes ballet folklórico.
  • Info: Zimmerli Art Museum event

Atlantic City: Día de los Muertos

Atlantic City celebrates with color, music, and flavor at the 2025 Día de los Muertos gathering at the Noyes Arts Garage. The event draws locals and visitors to honor loved ones while creating new memories. Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 1, 2025, starting at 5 p.m. Admission is free, and festivities run into the night.
Info: Atlantic City event

Jersey City: Day of the Dead Bar Crawl

  • Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025
  • Details: A lively night out with themed decor, marigolds, and calavera makeup. Tickets often include drink specials and party favors. Join at any stop along the route.
  • Info: Jersey City event

Camden County: Celebration of Life in Cherry Hill

  • Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025
  • Location: Challenge Grove Park, Cherry Hill
  • Details: Free, family-friendly day with ofrendas, sugar skull crafts, papel picado, mariachi, dance, and an artisan market. Guests can contribute to the community altar.
  • Info: Camden County event

Montclair: Día de los Muertos at Lackawanna Plaza

  • Dates: October 31 to November 2, 2025
  • Location: Lackawanna Plaza, Montclair
  • Details: Three-day festival with many Latino vendors, performances, and what is billed as New Jersey’s largest community altar. Free public programming each day, plus select ticketed activities.
  • Info: Montclair event

Asbury Park: Día de los Muertos

Asbury Park brings dia de los muertos to the boardwalk with an oceanfront celebration. The city’s second annual event is set for Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m., with early face painting starting at 2 p.m. This free, family-friendly gathering welcomes everyone, pets included, to honor loved ones through music and art. The walk begins at Convention Hall and continues along the Asbury Park Boardwalk, ending at the historic Casino. Expect mariachi, singing, and plenty of color.
Info: Asbury Park event

Princeton: Día de los Muertos

Princeton’s annual festival with the Arts Council of Princeton fills 102 Witherspoon Street each November 1. The 2025 event runs from 1 to 3 p.m. and features music, dance, food, and art for all ages. This outdoor celebration brings together neighbors, artists, and families to honor loved ones and share Mexican culture.
Info: Princeton event

Jersey City: Day of the Dead at Riverview Farmers Market

  • Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025
  • Location: Riverview Park, Jersey City
  • Details: A community tribute with live music and dance that honors tradition.
  • Info: Riverview Farmers Market event

FAQs

Q: Is Día de los Muertos the same as Halloween?
A: No. The holiday honors loved ones with music, food, and remembrance. It is not about scary costumes or fright.

Q: What is an ofrenda?
A: An ofrenda is an altar with photos, candles, flowers, papel picado, and favorite foods. It welcomes the spirits of loved ones.

Q: Can I bring something for a community altar?
A: Yes. Bring a small photo, paper marigold, or a safe, respectful item. Check event rules for candles or food.

Q: Are these events kid-friendly?
A: Most are great for families, especially festivals at parks, museums, and markets. Review each event page for details.

Q: Do I need to wear face paint?
A: No. Some people choose calavera makeup, others do not. Wear what feels respectful and comfortable.

Q: How much do events cost?
A: Many events are free, some offer paid workshops or ticketed activities. Check links for current pricing and registration.