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Day of the Dead celebration will be Sunday at the 4-H Fairgrounds

Posted 28 October 2026 at 4:28 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers: An ofrenda was created by Lionel Rosario and his wife Delores Alvarado, and the display drew many onlookers during the Day of the Dead observance on Oct. 26, 2024 at the YMCA in Medina. An ofrenda is an altar that is typically in homes. The altars welcome returning souls and feature candles, wild marigolds, incense, photographs, mementos and loved ones’ favorite foods like fruit, tortillas, tamales, chocolate and bread.

Press Release, Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council

KNWOLESVILLE – A vibrant celebration of Mexican culture and traditions will come together at the Orleans County Fairgrounds on Sunday, November 1, for a Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration presented by GO ART! (Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council).

The free, family-friendly event will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Trolley Building at the Orleans County Fairgrounds, located at 12690 Route 31 in Albion.

Día de los Muertos is a traditional Mexican holiday that honors and remembers loved ones who have passed away through colorful altars, family gatherings and other meaningful traditions. GO ART!’s celebration invites visitors of all ages to experience and learn about the holiday through hands-on art activities, live Mexican music, storytelling, traditional foods and cultural presentations broadcast live from Mexico.

“Día de los Muertos is a beautiful tradition that brings families and communities together to celebrate life and remember those who came before us,” said Gregory Hallock, executive director of GO ART! “As a regional arts council, we believe it’s important to celebrate the cultures and traditions that make our communities unique. This event is an opportunity for families to experience something meaningful, learn from one another and come together through art, music, food and remembrance.”

First held in 2018, GO ART!’s Día de los Muertos celebration grew out of the organization’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating the diverse cultures that make up Genesee and Orleans counties. What began as a community cultural celebration has evolved to include expanded educational programming, hands-on experiences and opportunities for families to learn about the holiday’s traditions and significance. That growth is especially evident in the festival’s school field trip program, which is expecting nearly 500 students this year, its largest anticipated participation to date.

Festival highlights include:

  • Live Mexican Music: A group of Hispanic and Latino musicians will perform a selection of Mexican music from 2 to 3:30 p.m., bringing live entertainment and another cultural element to the afternoon’s celebration.
  • Hands-On Art Activities: Participants can create colorful works inspired by Mexican art and Día de los Muertos traditions, including tissue-paper marigolds, La Catrina dolls, Mexican-inspired tile art, monarch butterfly art, calavera (sugar skull) masks and alebrije-inspired creatures. Face painting featuring designs inspired by the holiday will also be available throughout the celebration.
  • Live Presentations from Mexico: Luis Vazquez Estrada will join the celebration live from Mexico to explore the meaning, history and cultural significance of Día de los Muertos, sharing how communities in Mexico prepare for and celebrate the holiday. The 15-minute cultural presentations will take place at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
  • Ofrenda and Remembrance Activities: A traditional ofrenda will provide a space for visitors to honor and remember loved ones. Attendees are invited to bring photographs or meaningful objects to contribute to the altar or create written and illustrated tributes at a dedicated remembrance station.
  • Día de los Muertos Storytime: Families can enjoy readings of children’s books exploring the holiday’s traditions and meaning, with storytime sessions scheduled at 11:50 a.m., 12:50 p.m., 1:50 p.m. and 3:50 p.m. Books for the readings are generously provided by Hoag Library in Albion.
  • Displays and Cultural Videos: Attendees can explore artwork celebrating Día de los Muertos and Mexican culture, along with screenings of previously produced videos highlighting the holiday’s traditions and cultural significance.
  • Traditional Foods and Beverages: Visitors can experience a selection of Mexican-inspired foods, including chicken tinga-style tostadas, arroz rojo (Mexican red rice), frijoles de la olla (Mexican-style pinto beans), fresh fruit and pan de muerto, a traditional Mexican sweet bread. Beverages will include agua de jamaica (hibiscus drink) and water.

This event is supported by a Market New York grant awarded through Empire State Development and I LOVE NY, New York State’s Division of Tourism. Additional support is provided by the New York State Council on the Arts, Rochester Area Community Foundation and the Conable Family Foundation.

For more festival information, click here.