Expect a colourful explosion of dancing, dressing up, face painting and lots of food…

Dia de los Muertos is the national Mexican Day of the Dead (officially on Saturday, November 2), a festival that celebrates the lives of those who are no longer with us.

There’s dancing, costumes, face painting and food in most of these celebrations and some of Dubai’s biggest party places are putting on a good show for it.

Here are the best parties happening in Dubai for Dia de los Muertos…

La Carnita

La Carnita has fast become one of the city’s favourite Mexican hotspots since it opened last year, from its cool industrial street vibe to some mean margaritas and of course, plenty of delicious Mexican dishes. They’re celebrating Dia de los Muertos in a big way this weekend. Firstly, their popular Secret Parties brunch on a Friday will be getting a makeover, so expect explosions of colour, funky costumes and loads of Mexican party spirit, with the house drinks package from Dhs399. On Saturday, you could even go back to cure your sore head by tucking into their new (almost) all-day Mexican breakfast, and if you quote ‘Dia de los Muertos’ they’ll throw in a free Bloody Mary. Result.

La Carnita, Intercontinental Dubai Marina, Dubai, Secret Parties brunch, 1pm to 4pm, Friday Nov 1, Dhs399 house drinks, Mexican breakfast, 10am to 3pm. Tel: (04) 425 4030. lacarnita.ae

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Zero Gravity

Legendary Dubai beach club, Zero Gravity’s Tropical Brunch on a Friday is already a favourite of many around the city with unlimited food, drinks and a top pool party atmosphere. In celebration of Halloween and Dia de los Muertos, the brunch will have a twist, with dancers, entertainers and even glitter girls to paint faces. Following the four hour brunch, awesome DJ, Sam Feldt who’s responsible for massive dance track Show Me Love, will be taking to the decks for an epic party from 6pm. If you go to the day brunch, you’ll automatically get access to the evening party.

Zero Gravity, Skydive Dubai Drop Zone, Dubai Marina, Friday, November 1, Tropical pool brunch, 1pm to 5pm, Dhs295 ladies, Dhs345 guys, Tropical Brunch After Party, from 5pm, free entry for ladies, Dhs100 for guys with 2 drinks. Tel: (04) 399 0009. 0-gravity.ae

The Pointe

Not content with just one day of celebrations, waterfront destination, The Pointe will be throwing festivities for three days from Thursday, October 31 to Saturday, November 2. And festivities they will be, with Latin American dancers and music, Mariachi bands, parades and more. On Thursday October 31 and Friday November 1, head to the central stage from 6pm for musical performances and dance shows. There’ll also be Mexican art stalls, mask and face painting over the three days, plus if you dress up, there are some seriously cool prizes to be won. There’ll be an afterparty at their resident Mexican spot, Meshico, with loads of traditional food and refreshments.

The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, Thursday October 31 to Saturday, November 2, from 6pm. Tel: (04) 390 9999. thepointe.ae

Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE

Blue Marlin’s epic Saturday pool brunch is going Mexican this Saturday, replacing their usual Mediterranean brunch dishes with some awesomely authentic Mexican ones. Feast your eyes (and bellies) on endless fresh guacamole, fit-to-bursting tacos, empanadas and ceviche, try the grilled corn or fajitas from the live cooking stations then finish off with a zingy sorbet for dessert. There’s a pretty terrace to enjoy your food or enjoy it cabana-side for some poolside grazing. With unlimited drinks and a DJ playing all day, you’ve got yourself the perfect Saturday pool brunch.

Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE, Sheikh Zayed Road, Ghantoot, Exit 399 in Golden Tulip Al Jazira Hotels and Resort, Abu Dhabi, 1pm to 4pm, Saturdays, Dhs350 house drinks. Tel: (056) 113 3400. bluemarlinibiza-uae.com

La Tablita

La Tablita are throwing a Thursday evening brunch with tons of traditional Mexican street food like tamales, tacos, ceviche, stuffed chillies, chips and lots of guac to celebrate Dia De Los Muertos. Make sure to leave room for the dessert station, where you can indulge your ultimate sweet tooth on authentic desserts like churros con chocolate and tres leches. It’s a pretty wallet-friendly Dhs280 inclusive of house drinks.

La Tablita, 20th Street, Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights, 7pm onwards, Thursday October 31. Tel: (04) 553 1212. facebook.com/LaTablitaDubai

Feliz Dia de los Muertos!

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