Guided by Self Help Graphics & Art’s teaching artist Nupur Behera, participants will decorate their own candles using tissue paper, wax paper, and heat transfers. Designs can be inspired by traditional symbols like marigolds, calaveras (skulls), and monarch buttterflies—or with personal symbols that honor a loved one who has passed. These decorated candles can be placed on an altar, used in remembrance, or kept as a personal keepsake. Participants can also explore other traditional crafts, including papel picado (tissue paper with cutout shapes) and paper marigolds. Connect with the cultural practices of this sacred tradition as you create art to honor your ancestors and loved ones.

All materials provided. Free and open to all ages.

Activity Participation Notice

Please note that some activities may be more popular than others and may require a wait time. We recommend arriving early if you would like to participate in all of the activities.

ABOUT SELF HELP GRAPHICS & ART’S 53RD ANNUAL DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS SEASON

As one of the longest-running public celebrations of Día de los Muertos in the United States,  Self Help Graphics & Art’s 53rd Annual Día de los Muertos Season honors our ancestors and uplifts the living communities they nurtured through immersive, intercultural programming — free and for all-ages. 

For more information about this year’s season, including the celebration on Saturday, November 7, 2026, please visit our website: https://www.selfhelpgraphics.com/diadelosmuertos

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This project received funding from the Smithsonian’s “Our Shared Future: 250,” a Smithsonian-wide initiative supported by private philanthropy and created to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary and advance the Smithsonian vision for the next 250 years.