By Coral Gables Gazette staff

Día de Muertos is a living ritual of remembrance. On Saturday, November 1, Ponce Circle Park becomes a community stage for memory, as the Consulate General of Mexico in Miami and the City of Coral Gables present an evening of processions, music, dance, food, and family observances that welcome the spirits of loved ones and invite the living to celebrate together.

Tradition rooted in Indigenous practice and community remembrance

Observed across Mexico and throughout the diaspora, Day of the Dead blends Indigenous beliefs about returning souls with Catholic calendar dates to create a communal act of honoring the departed. In Coral Gables, organizers frame the festival as cultural diplomacy that upholds the ancestral wealth of Indigenous and pre-Hispanic traditions while inviting neighbors of all backgrounds to participate with respect.

Program highlights

The event runs from 4:00 to 9:30 p.m. at Ponce Circle Park (2810 Ponce de León Blvd.). The evening program builds from family activities into a night of performances and procession. Attendees can expect a steady flow of staged sets, interactive workshops, and time to visit altars and food stands run by Mexican entrepreneurs based in Florida.

Procession and altar connect private memory to public celebration

A traditional procession (parade) will anchor the night, symbolizing the return of souls to the world of the living. Visitors can also stop by an altar de muertos at The Plaza Coral Gables, designed to fuse Indigenous symbolism and Catholic tradition. Bringing a small photo or token to place at community altars is a meaningful way to participate.

Catrinas Relay, costume contest and family workshops

The celebration includes a playful “Catrinas Relay” organized with the RunAdic and Soy Corredora clubs; face-painting and piñata workshops for children; and a Catrina and Catrín costume contest. Raffles will include airline tickets sponsored by Volaris, adding a bit of festival suspense between sets.

Dance companies and live ensembles

A rotating slate of performers keeps the park active from late afternoon into night. Scheduled groups include Ameyal (programmed as part of the Comprehensive Care Window for Native and Indigenous Peoples of Mexico, VAIPOIME), Ballet Folklórico Azteca, and the Ayala Ballet ensembles. The music lineup features Los Hijos del Rancho, traditional songs by Sandra Montoya, and ranchera singer Jorge Romano, accompanied by Mariachi Sol de Oro. The evening will be hosted by Gina Ulmos, with special participation by singer Cynthia Bagué.

Civic and consular leadership at the opening

The program is led by Consul General Rutilio Escandón and Mayor Vince Lago. The collaboration brings a major cultural tradition into a central public space and makes it accessible to residents and visitors.

Getting there: Trolley, Freebee, and parking options

To support attendance, the Coral Gables Trolley will operate from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Freebee service will be available for short hops around downtown. City parking guidance is posted online; planning ahead will make it easier to move between the park and The Plaza Coral Gables if you intend to visit both sites.

How to take part with meaning and respect

Arrive with time to explore the altars and meet vendors before the procession. Face painting aligns with the festival’s celebratory tone, but participants should treat ofrendas, photos, and personal items with care. Purchasing snacks from local Mexican restaurateurs supports the cultural ecosystem that keeps this tradition vibrant in South Florida.

Aligns with All Saints’ and All Souls’ days

Day of the Dead aligns with the Christian calendar dates of All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1) and All Souls’ Day (Nov. 2). The festival in Coral Gables concentrates the observance into a single evening on Saturday, Nov. 1, bringing together elements—altar, procession, music, food—that various communities practice across both days.

Event essentials

• What: Día de Muertos – Day of the Dead at Ponce Circle Park
• When: Saturday, Nov. 1 • 4:00–9:30 p.m.
• Where: Ponce Circle Park, 2810 Ponce de León Blvd., Coral Gables, FL 33134
• Access: Coral Gables Trolley (10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.), Freebee service, city parking options online
• Extras: Procession, Catrinas Relay, kids’ workshops, costume contest, raffles (including Volaris tickets), dance troupes, live mariachi and ranchera sets, food from Mexican entrepreneurs
• Also: Community altar at The Plaza Coral Gables