Hartford’s Día de Muertos Season Returns with Culture, Community, and Celebration
A month-long series of events highlights Mexican tradition, local partnerships, and community pride
Hartford, CT, September 18, 2025 | This fall, Hartford will once again come alive with marigolds, music, and memory during Día de Muertos — a Mexican tradition honoring loved ones through art, altars, and remembrance.
For the first time, a coalition of Hartford organizations and cultural institutions are uniting under one banner to present Hartford’s Día de Muertos, a citywide series of back-to-back events. Partners include the Connecticut Science Center, Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History, Helena’s Casita, The Gentle Bull Shop, and local Hartford businesses — supported by the City of Hartford’s Division of Arts, Culture and Entertainment.
“This month-long celebration showcases the best of us—working together to honor our past, commune in the present, and pave the way for a collective future. We are so proud to be in support of this month of activation.” — Taneisha Duggan, Director of Arts, Culture and Entertainment, City of Hartford.
Hartford’s Día de Muertos 2025 Season Calendar
October 18 (12–6 PM) – Helena’s Casita & Gentle Bull Shop Third Annual Día de los Muertos Celebración on Pratt Street Pratt Street kicks off Hartford’s season with an interactive community ofrenda, live music, a panel discussion, free art activities, and more — a celebration of life and tradition for the whole community.
October 22 – November 2 – Connecticut Science Center Community Ofrenda on View Experience a beautifully crafted ofrenda, a sacred altar adorned with marigolds, photos, candles, and mementos to honor those who have come before us.
October 23 – November 9 – Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art Community Ofrenda on View Installed by artist and cultural organizer Helena Martinez-Fernandez, this year’s ofrenda blends tradition with contemporary expression and includes contributions from local artists and community members.
October 25 (12–2 PM) – Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art Community Ofrenda Celebration Enjoy free admission all day, art-making activities, live music with Mariachi Tercera Generación, books provided by HPL’s Library on Wheels, and a screening of Hola Frida at 2 p.m. Generously funded by the Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All Program.
“The Wadsworth is honored to host this year’s community ofrenda created by multiple talented local artists. As we focus increasingly on stories rooted in the Día de Muertos traditions, we look forward to continued work with Helena’s Casita and our many arts and culture partners.” — Vanessa Sigalas, Chief Curator, Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art.
November 1 (11 AM–4 PM) – Connecticut Museum of Culture & History Día de Muertos Community Celebration Celebrate with all-ages art activities, mariachi music, Mexican folk dance, food, and artisan vendors.
“We are delighted to be part of Hartford's public celebrations of this deeply meaningful, living tradition. We are grateful to the Spanish Community of Wallingford, Carlos Hernández Chávez, and our many partners and sponsors for co-creating the eighth annual Día de Muertos celebration at the Connecticut Museum this year.” — Kate Schramm, Director of Cultural Sustainability, Connecticut Museum of Culture and History.
A Community-Driven Tradition
The season begins on Saturday, October 18, with the Third Annual Día de los Muertos Celebración on Pratt Street, hosted by Helena’s Casita, The Gentle Bull Shop, griefsense, and Hasta Luego Friend. What began in 2023 with childhood friends Gabi Rodrigue and Helena Martinez-Fernandez gathering local artists and small businesses has grown into a beloved cultural tradition in the heart of downtown.
This year, with overwhelming community support, more than $6,000 was raised through a Patronicity crowdfunding campaign. Thanks to the Sustainable CT Community Match Fund, every dollar will be doubled, allowing the celebration to be more vibrant and expansive than ever before.
Already, the celebration is generating statewide buzz, including a special segment on FOX 61 News highlighting its cultural, emotional, and community impact.
“Día de los Muertos is deeply personal to me. I began honoring it after losing my sister in 2010, and to now share this tradition on a larger scale with a city that has given me so much joy and support inspires me to keep giving back to Hartford through culture, art, and collaboration.” — Helena Martinez-Fernandez, Founder of Helena’s Casita and Lead Coordinator of Hartford’s Día de Muertos Season.
This year’s celebration will feature expanded performances, live music, free family-friendly activities, and a new mental health panel hosted by griefsense founder and event co-coordinator Mimi Gonzalez. Having lost 36 loved ones, Gonzalez brings a deeply personal perspective to the conversation, which will be sponsored by Access Health CT and focus on grief, healing, and mental well-being. Co-coordinator and Hasta Luego Friend owner Evy Ruiz will also lead a special community moment.
In just two years, what began as a grassroots gathering has grown into a citywide collaboration between values-aligned organizers, local businesses, and Hartford’s leading cultural institutions.
Join us on Pratt Street on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 12–6 PM to officially launch Hartford’s Día de Muertos season. Celebrate, connect with all of Hartford’s Día de Muertos partners, and explore events taking place across the city through November 9.
Stay tuned to local radio stations and news outlets for more announcements and details about performances, community activities, and special highlights throughout the season.
For full event details, visit: hartfordsdiademuertos.net
Media Contact:
Helena Martinez-Fernandez
Founder, Helena’s Casita
helenascasita@gmail.com | 860-386-8086