India has seen plenty of theme nights and buzzy parties, but this season, something genuinely new started bubbling across the country. It began quietly enough with beautifully crafted regional gatherings popping up in different cities. Each had whispers of marigolds, colour, and Mexican folklore that, without giving too much away, felt intriguing. And then, as those moments built up, everything came together in one big cultural explosion at Mukesh Mills, where India got its first full-fledged Day of the Dead celebration.
Created by Don Julio Non-Alc Beverages, this became a cultural wave that travelled from city to city before culminating in one unforgettable night. Here is everything that made it a moment.
It all started with the Mini Fiestas. Before the big Mumbai moment, over 40 regional Day of the Dead parties quietly set the tone across India. Each city hosted its interpretation with marigold-forward styling, Mexico-inspired touches, colourful serves, and pockets of storytelling that relayed the feeling that something larger was coming. The gatherings did not feel identical or templated. The feel was more of small cultural seeds being planted. So by the time this last one wrapped up, the country was already warming up to the aesthetic and emotion of the festival.
Then Came the Mukesh Mills Takeover. All those smaller fiestas built up to a night that felt straight out of a movie. Mukesh Mills transformed into a vibrant world shaped by celebrated Mexican artist Lourdes Villagómez, whose bold colours and contemporary take on folklore brought the space to life. Massive Catrinas towered over the entrance, folklore characters appeared in striking silhouettes, and a glowing ofrenda shimmered with candles, marigolds, and symbolic details that celebrated memory and connection. And then came the Day of the Dead parade, winding its way through the venue in a riot of colour, rhythm, and energy, instantly turning the mill into Mexico’s festive streets.
Food That Added Heart to the Night. Mezcalita stepped in with a Mexican inspired culinary showcase that struck the perfect balance between flavour and comfort. There were bold small plates and zesty bites that kept people exploring the menu. The standout, of course, was Pan de Muerto. Soft, warm, and rich with festival symbolism, it added emotional depth to the celebration in a way only food can.
A Soundtrack With Real Range. The music traversed across moods and continents. A live Mariachi band brought charm, nostalgia, and cultural warmth. Later on, Stephan Bodzin took over with a set that turned the space electric. The shift felt seamless and gave the night a layered energy that kept people moving until the very end.
Carter Road Got Its Own Cultural Drop. The celebration split beyond event spaces with a striking art installation at Carter Road. Designed by Lourdes Villagómez, the piece became an instant public art moment. It tugged the colours, symbolism, and storytelling of the festival into one of Mumbai’s most iconic everyday spaces.
Pan de Muerto Went Local in a Fun Way. To make the festival accessible far beyond the nightlife moments, Don Julio partnered with bakeries, Lavonne and Mag St. Bread Co. Each created limited edition versions of Pan de Muerto with their own interpretations. The packaging, the flavours, and the cultural blending made this one of the most widely loved extensions of the festival.
What began as intimate gatherings across different cities slowly grew into a countrywide cultural spark. Everything finally came together at Mukesh Mills in a night full of art, music, food, memory, and connection. Don Julio Non-Alc Beverages introduced a global tradition to India and gave it a thoughtful, expressive, and deeply crafted Indian expression.
