High above the city, under a canopy of candles and colour, Azotea embraces one of Latin America’s most meaningful traditions - Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Far from being a day of sorrow, this is a moment of joy, remembrance, and connection. It’s a time when the past and present dance together, guided by the rhythms of Latin culture.
Celebrated on November 2nd, Day of the Dead blends the ancient Aztec rituals honouring ancestors with the Catholic observance of All Souls’ Day, introduced by the Spanish in the 1500s. What began as a sacred Aztec custom has evolved into one of Mexico’s most beautiful and symbolic holidays, a true celebration of life after death.
Rather than mourning loss, families welcome back the souls of loved ones for a joyful reunion. Homes glow with ofrendas (altars) filled with marigolds, candles, and the favourite dishes, drinks, and memories of the departed. Each element carries meaning: flowers to guide the spirits home, light to show them the way, and flavour to remind them they’re never forgotten.
At the heart of this tradition lies the idea that death is not an end, instead it’s a continuation. During Aztec times, the dead were believed to travel through Mictlan, the underworld ruled by Mictlantecuhtli, the god of death. Others ascended to join the sun or rain gods, depending on how they died — warriors, mothers, and travellers finding their place among the heavens.
Over centuries, these beliefs intertwined with Christian customs, creating the modern Día de los Muertos we know today; vibrant, heartfelt, and full of symbolism. Sugar skulls, skeletons, and marigolds fill streets and homes, each representing the beauty of impermanence.
Food is central to every Latin gathering, and Day of the Dead is no exception. Tamales, pan de muerto, mole, and sweet treats shaped like skulls and bones fill tables and altars alike. Families bring these dishes to gravesites, where they share stories, music, and laughter, often spending the night among their loved ones.
In rural Mexico, candlelight fills cemeteries; in cities, parades and live music fill the streets. Whether quiet or grand, the spirit of the day remains the same: love, memory, and connection.
This 1st of November, Azotea celebrates Día de los Muertos with limited-edition cocktails, face paint, and live entertainment that pays homage to this timeless tradition. As the sun sets over Leeds, our rooftop transforms into a space where fire, flavour, and spirit meet — a reflection of the same energy that has guided the celebration for centuries.
Join us as we honour the past and toast to the present — surrounded by colour, music, and the warmth of the Latin soul. Because at Azotea, we live by the sun, and love by the moon.
Sun - Weds: 12pm until 1am
Thurs - Sat: 12pm until 2am
Hyatt Place,
Sovereign Square,
Leeds, LS1 4DA
As an Azotea guest, enjoy an exclusive 20% off our best available Hotel room rates.
