The Day of the Dead Latin Market is a Mexican-themed Vancouver event featuring market vendors, food and live music on Granville Island in the fall.

Dia de los Muertos, or the “Day of the Dead” in English, is a Mexican holiday that celebrates deceased ancestors. It’s similar to our Halloween in some ways, except that it takes place on November 2nd and doesn’t involve trick or treating.

In 2024 the market runs on November 2nd and 3rd. The event is part of Vancouver’s Latin American Heritage Month (LAHM) series of events which includes a Latin Costume Party in Gastown on October 31st. There are also workshops and a Closing Ceremony on Granville Island on the last weekend of November, plus a “Dia de los Muertos” altar installation and other activities throughout the full duration of the LAHM festival.

Continue reading below for more details about the Day of the Dead Market, or visit latincouver.ca.

Latin Market Featuring the Day of the Dead

Latin American Heritage Month celebrates Latin culture. It features dozens of things to do, including visiting the annual Dia de los Muertos Market.

Otherwise known as the Day of the Dead Market, the Dia de los Muertos Market’s theme is related to an important day in Latin America. The Day of the Dead is a time to remember the deceased. It’s celebrated in Mexico in early November each year. The Day of the Dead Market usually happens in Vancouver on the weekend before November 1st, so right around Halloween.

The market offers a wide range of vendors, as well as food and live entertainment. Guests are encouraged to wear traditional Catrin or Catrina costumes, which are made to resemble skulls and skeletons. Admission to the market is free. However, online registration is encouraged.

To learn more about the Day of the Dead Market, click Latin American Heritage Month in Vancouver.

Market Hours & Granville Island Location

The Day of the Dead Latin Market runs on the weekend of November 2nd and 3rd in 2024. The hours are from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm on both days.

The event used to take place at Ocean Artworks Pavilion, located at 1531 Johnston Street in Vancouver on Granville Island. Now, however, the market takes place at 1500 Old Bridge Street, which is still on Granville Island and just a short walk away.

In 2024, other Latin American Heritage Month activities happen at the Ocean Artworks Pavilion in the weeks leading up to the Day of the Dead Latin Market. The market itself, however, takes place nearby, in what is normally an indoor parking area. If you listen out for the Latin American music and fiesta sounds, you will be able to find it.

For more information about the 2024 event, click LAHM Day of the Dead Market.

Entertainment Schedule

There are various performances to enjoy throughout each day at the Day of the Dead Latin Market. There are live DJs, bands and dance groups providing live entertainment. Below are the acts scheduled for perform in 2024. Exact dates and times, however, are to be confirmed as of the beginning of October.

Mexico Vivo
Sangre Morena
Pies de Bronce
Colectivo Yollotl
Rumba 7
Mariachi Tabasko
Orkesta Tabasco
Tren al Sur
Robin Lane and the Rhythms Makers
Sambacouver
Caudillos del Sur
Wasakaka
Mazacote
Frankie Hidalgo

Day of Dead Market Video

For an idea of what to expect, check out the videos below. The footage in the first video was recorded at the 2021 event. That year the market took place at Ocean Artworks Pavilion. In 2024 it happens in a covered area a block or two away, which is the same as the last few years.

At Ocean Artworks Pavilion this year, there are other Latin American Heritage Month activities, including the opening ceremony for the festival on October 15th, and the closing ceremony on November 3rd (at the same time as the market is wrapping up).

Day of the Dead Market 2021 Video

The following video shows what the market looked like a couple of years ago when it was smaller and took place at Ocean Artworks. It was outdoors but in a covered area. As you can see, there were all sorts of products for sale at the 2021 event, including jewellery, paintings and baked goods. There was also someone in a Catrina skeleton costume.