Dìa de Muertos: history and curiosities of a celebration with a creative Mexican spirit
Dancing, singing, calaveras and creative spirit: 2 November is just around the corner
The history of Dìa de Muertos dates back to the sixteenth century, when the Spanish arrived in the Americas, sparking a serendipitous encounter between ancient European and pre-Columbian traditions, blending All Saints’ Day with local customs. Every year on 2 November, Mexico comes alive with an immense celebration of Death, embraced as a joyful moment and a passage to the afterlife, accompanied by dancing, singing and parades to banish the traditional memento mori. It is a centuries-old tradition born from the pre-Hispanic cult of the dead, believing that on this very day, one can reunite with departed loved ones through precise rituals imbued with the spirit of the Mexican people.
At the heart of the festivities lies the preparation of the ofrenda, a home altar honouring departed loved ones, adorned with gifts, clothing, flowers and salt, essential for guiding souls into the afterlife. This vivid creativity is also reflected in papel picado, intricately cut coloured tissue paper decorations, and in sweet cane sugar calaveras, skulls moulded from sugar and decorated with bright food colouring, symbolically offered to the dead and now given to children as treats. The skull is also a central symbol of the majestic parades filled with song and dance moving through the streets; it is, in fact, the vibrant caricature of Death, depicted in its most colourful guise by artist José Guadalupe Posada—a pop icon of a heritage rooted in age-old traditions, yet alive with creative and revolutionary spirit.
That same vibrant Mexican spirit drives Espolòn Tequila, distilled exclusively from the nectar of agave azul, a native plant regarded as mystical and magical. Born in the Mexican state of Jalisco, the home of tequila, Espolòn is the ideal spirit for Mexico’s favourite drink: the Paloma. The Espolòn Paloma, made with tequila, lime juice, agave syrup and pink grapefruit soda, blends tradition and innovation, reinventing how tequila is enjoyed with its fresh, exotic flavour and a pink hue that echoes its native land.
And straight from Jalisco to Milan, right after the spookiest night of the year on 31 October, Espolòn Tequila is set to celebrate 2 November with a packed calendar of special events.
Here is where to experience Dìa de Muertos in Milan. Amid altars, calaveras, tarot readers and live painting sessions, all that is left is to raise a glass to life and immerse yourself in the world of Espolòn.
La Santeria
The celebrations kick off at La Santeria with a private event where Espolòn Tequila stages an immersive experience exploring Dìa de Muertos and its traditions. The venue will feature two distinct areas for the evening: one dedicated entirely to the Mexican spirit, magical and evocative with roving tarot readers and dancing calaveras, and a second highlighting the creative edge, with a modern urban vibe featuring visuals, DJ sets, live music and live wall painting.
Il Nemico
The younger sibling of Dabass in Porta Romana, Il Nemico welcomes guests to celebrate Dìa de Muertos at its space on via Piacenza. Expect an immersive journey into Mexican colours and customs, joined by an engaging live painting session from 10pm. What better way to discover the dual spirit of this ancient celebration?
Fred
A hotspot for mixology and vinyl in Lambrate, Fred is also getting ready to celebrate Dìa de Muertos. Step straight into Mexico at number 2 via Ingegnoli to discover the authentic soul of this festivity while sipping an Espolòn Paloma, accompanied by a special live painting performance from 10pm.
Flow
The 5Vie district, one of Milan’s chicest areas, also marks Dìa de Muertos with a dedicated, creative celebration. Vibrant colours and a magical atmosphere take over the timeless elegance of piazza Borromeo for one evening. Let the festive energy transport you to sunny Mexico while you enjoy a spectacular live painting session from 10pm.
Agua Sancta
From the historic centre to corso Garibaldi, this vibrant, eclectic setting is ideal for celebrating Dìa de Muertos at Agua Sancta, a venue that champions authentic Mexican spirit. With live painting from 7pm, music, bright colours and exotic flair, the Dìa de Muertos experience finds a home in Milan.
Madison
Between the waters of the Navigli and Porta Romana, Madison brings together the eclectic vibes of both Milanese neighbourhoods in a celebration of Mexican vitality. Here, Dìa de Muertos comes to life with an immersive, joyous setting in a riot of music and colour. Salud!
…let yourself be captivated by this boundless creative spirit and all its unexpected facets, discovering a celebration—Dìa de Muertos—that has travelled from authentic Mexico to captivate the whole world.
