An altar exhibition inside Fundación Casa de México en España turns the Chamberí institution into a tribute to composer Agustín Lara, blending marigold flowers, candles, copal incense and traditional Mexican ritual objects into a display that traces the country's Día de los Muertos customs for a Madrid audience.
What it is
The centrepiece is a multi-level altar built in the style of cemetery ofrendas from Michoacán's mountain towns, dedicated to Agustín Lara (1897-1970), the Veracruz-born songwriter behind boleros like Granada and Solamente una vez. Marigolds, papel picado, candles, food offerings and photographs recreate the visual language used across Mexico each November to welcome the spirits of the dead back for one night.
Free 20-minute guided tours run through the exhibition, explaining the symbolism behind each layer of the altar and the wider Día de los Muertos tradition, from its pre-Hispanic roots to its UNESCO-recognised present-day form. Fundación Casa de México also displays a small collection of Mexican folk art alongside the installation, and runs bookable workshops in papel picado cutting, floral arrangement, sugar-skull decoration and calavera face-painting for visitors who want a hands-on introduction.
Why it stands out
The tribute to Lara gives the display a specific narrative thread rather than a generic Día de Muertos set-up, tying Mexican ritual tradition to one of the country's best-known musical exports. The guided-tour format also sets it apart from a purely decorative altar: visitors leave with an explanation of the customs behind marigolds, copal and ofrendas, not just a photo backdrop.
Practical info
Guided tours require a reservation, released weekly by email newsletter with the dates and times available for the following week. Free, unguided viewing windows run on specific dates without needing to book ahead; check the current calendar before visiting since access hours change through the run.
FAQ
Is the Altar de Muertos 2026 at Casa de México free?
Yes, admission is free throughout the run, from 2 October to 8 November 2026. Both the unguided viewing slots and the guided tours are free of charge, though tours require booking through the weekly reservation email.
How do I book a guided tour of the altar?
Casa de México releases tour reservation links by email each Friday, covering the following week's available dates and times. Guided tours run from 6 October to 8 November 2026, in the afternoon between 13:00 and 20:30, and last around 20 minutes.
Who is the Día de Muertos altar dedicated to?
The 2026 altar honours Agustín Lara (1897-1970), the Veracruz composer known for boleros including Granada and Solamente una vez, built in the style of traditional ofrendas from Michoacán.
Can I visit without a guided tour?
Yes. Free, unguided access is available on set dates, including 2-5 October, 12 October, and 1-2 November 2026, from 10:00 to 18:45; guided visits require booking instead.
Are there workshops related to the Día de Muertos altar?
Casa de México runs bookable artisan workshops alongside the exhibition, including papel picado paper-cutting, floral design, sugar-skull decoration and calavera face-painting.
