Last Updated on October 28, 2026 by Explore Vancouver
Day of the Dead weekend in Vancouver runs from Halloween night through Monday, November 2, 2026. Latincouver closes its Latin American Heritage Month festival with a two-day Day of the Dead Market on Granville Island on October 31 and November 1, followed by the Catrinas Procession in Gastown on November 2. Here is what is happening, what you can do at each event, and how to take part respectfully.
Looking for more plans? See our full guide to things to do in Vancouver this weekend or browse the best Halloween events in Vancouver.
Day of the Dead Market at Granville Island, October 31 to November 1
The Day of the Dead Market is the main event of the weekend. Presented by Latincouver, it takes over 1500 Old Bridge Street on Granville Island on Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, November 1, 2026. Expect Latin American food, an artisan market, live music, storytelling and hands-on cultural workshops.
The workshops are a big part of the experience, and they go beyond painted skulls and flowers by explaining what the traditions mean. Activities include:
- Decorating sugar skulls
- Making papel picado banners
- Crafting Catrina lanterns
- Learning about the ancestral significance of corn
- Building a personal ofrenda to remember a loved one
On Halloween evening, the market also hosts a Catrina Party. Workshops require registration, so check the Latincouver Latin American Heritage Month schedule for the latest times, admission details and sign-ups before you go.
Granville Island is easy to pair with a food stop. The Granville Island Public Market is a short walk from the market site. Read more in our Granville Island guide.
Traditional Day of the Dead Altar on Granville Island, Through November 2
Alongside the market, Latincouver is presenting a traditional DÃa de los Muertos altar installation on Granville Island from October 14 to November 2, 2026. If you cannot make the market weekend, this is an easy way to see the tradition up close.
An altar, or ofrenda, is the heart of the holiday. Families build them to welcome the spirits of loved ones, with photos, candles, marigolds, sugar skulls and favourite foods and drinks. Take your time with it, keep your voice low, and ask before photographing people who are adding their own tributes.
Catrinas Procession in Gastown, November 2
The Catrinas Procession closes the festival on Monday, November 2, 2026, in Gastown. It is free to attend and everyone is welcome. Expect music, dance, colourful costumes and elaborately painted skull faces moving through the neighbourhood, a fitting end to the weekend on the day many families observe DÃa de los Muertos.
Latincouver asks participants to approach the tradition respectfully. Catrina and CatrÃn dress and face paint are welcome. Gore, zombie makeup and costumes that mock Latin American or Indigenous cultures are not. Check the Latincouver schedule for the start time and route before you head out.
What Is Day of the Dead, and What Is a Catrina?
DÃa de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican tradition that honours family and friends who have died. It is traditionally observed on November 1 and 2, and it is a celebration of remembrance rather than a spooky holiday. Its roots go back to pre-Hispanic Indigenous traditions, and it is separate from Halloween even though the dates are close.
A Catrina is the elegant skeleton figure that has become the holiday’s best-known symbol. She is usually shown in a wide-brimmed hat and fancy dress. The original La Calavera Catrina was an early 1900s etching by José Guadalupe Posada, made as a satire of people who put on airs, and the figure was later made famous by Diego Rivera. Today people dress as Catrinas and Catrines with skull face paint, flowers and formal clothes. At the procession, you will see the tradition in full colour.
Tips for Day of the Dead Weekend in Vancouver
- Register early for workshops, since they require sign-up.
- Go earlier in the day if you can. Saturday is also Halloween, so Granville Island will be busy toward evening.
- Take transit or walk where possible. Granville Island and Gastown are both busy on event days.
- Dress respectfully. Face paint and Catrina style are welcome, but skip gore and zombie looks.
- Pair the market with a visit to the Public Market for lunch or snacks.
- Check latincouver.ca before you leave, since times and details can change.
Day of the Dead in Vancouver FAQ
When is the Day of the Dead Market at Granville Island?
The 2026 market runs on Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, November 1 at 1500 Old Bridge Street on Granville Island. A Catrina Party is part of the Halloween evening programming.
When and where is the Catrinas Procession?
The Catrinas Procession takes place on Monday, November 2, 2026, in Gastown, and it is free to attend. Check the Latincouver schedule for the start time and route.
Do I need to register for the workshops?
Yes, the market workshops require registration. Sign up through the Latincouver Latin American Heritage Month schedule before you go.
Can I dress as a Catrina?
Yes. Catrina and CatrÃn dress and skull face paint are welcome, especially at the procession. Latincouver asks people to avoid gore, zombie makeup and costumes that mock Latin American or Indigenous cultures.
Is Day of the Dead the same as Halloween?
No. Day of the Dead is a Mexican tradition of remembering and honouring loved ones who have died, usually observed on November 1 and 2. It overlaps with Halloween on the calendar but has different roots and a different spirit.
Can I see a Day of the Dead altar in Vancouver?
Yes. A traditional DÃa de los Muertos altar installation is on Granville Island from October 14 to November 2, 2026, and altars are also part of the market workshops.
