AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 11, 2026
Penn Museum Announces 15th Annual Día de los Muertos CultureFest
The Penn Museum will once again mark Día de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, with its 15th annual CultureFest! celebration. The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Penn Museum, located at 3260 South St. in Philadelphia. The festival highlights Mexican traditions and offers a full day of cultural activities.
Large-Scale Ofrenda Altar as Festival Centerpiece
This year's CultureFest! will feature a large-scale ofrenda altar, a communal space dedicated to remembering and honoring loved ones who have died. Ofrendas traditionally include marigolds, food, drinks, and photographs. Artists Pamela Plata and Juanita Aguilar are responsible for this year's installation, titled “When Spirits Dance: A Tribute to Amalia Hernández,” paying homage to the founder of Ballet Folklórico de México.
Live Music, Dance, and Bilingual Storytelling
The festival lineup includes a variety of live performances celebrating the spirit of Día de los Muertos. Attendees can look forward to music by Esmeralda LaCor and a dance performance by Danza Tonantzin. There will also be two bilingual storytelling presentations of “La Catrina Monarca: El Vuelo Sagrado de las Almas/A Sacred Flight,” with the first session starting at noon and the second at 2:20 p.m. Danza Tonantzin's performance is scheduled for 1:40 p.m.
Tasting Pan de Muerto and Mexican Hot Chocolate
At 3:15 p.m., guests are invited to sample pan de muerto, a traditional sweet bread associated with Día de los Muertos, alongside Mexican hot chocolate. These tasting opportunities are a hallmark of the holiday, adding flavor to the festivities.
Family Activities and the Community Altar Contest
The event features family-friendly activities throughout the day, including a special Family Adventures gallery activity. The Community Altar Contest winners will be announced at 3:30 p.m., highlighting creativity and communal remembrance during the celebration. An artisan marketplace will also be available for visitors to explore.
Tickets, Admission, and Additional Details
All CultureFest! activities are included with general Penn Museum admission. Tickets are priced at $23 for adults, $21 for seniors, and $14 for youth ages 6-17 and college students. Children 5 and under, Penn students, faculty or staff with a valid ID, and Penn Museum members can attend for free. The Mexican Cultural Center is an event partner for this year's celebration.
Día de los Muertos is a tradition with origins in Indigenous and Catholic practices, centered on remembering loved ones through ofrendas, food, flowers, and photographs. The festival at Penn Museum aims to honor these customs while providing an educational and engaging experience for all attendees.
Source: phillyvoice.com.
