Flagstaff celebrates Day of the Dead
Paintings and jewelry, designed by award-winning artists. Lively musical performances, featuring dancers in eyecatching costumes. Kids painting sugar skulls with bright colors.
These are just a few of the highlights of the 13th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente, a two-day Day of the Dead festival this weekend at the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff.
Cristen Crujido, marketing director for the museum, said the festival draws around 3,000 visitors of all ages from across the Colorado Plateau.
“Adults will enjoy our Heritage Insights Lecture Series, presented by noted authors and scholars, that focuses on the culture, history, religion and folklore of Mexico, as well as the Latino experience in the Southwest,” Crujido said.
“Children will love Day of the Deadinspired art and crafts like sugar skull decorating, mask making and ‘papel picado,’ or cut paper, workshops. Of course, everyone will enjoy the scope and diver-
sity of fine and folk art available for purchase as well as high-energy, main stage performances by Mariachi Sol Azteca and Ballet Folklórico de Colores.
People who are looking for some new fine art pieces will find plenty to choose from at the artist mercado, which Crujido said is definitely a highlight of this year’s festival. “We’ve doubled its size,” she said. “Not only have we expanded the art forms represented but are also excited to have new artists joining us from Santa Fe this year, including Jerry Montoya, Justin Gallegos Mayrant, Shane Casias and Terri Rodriguez.”
Montoya and Mayrant are award-winning Spanish Colonial artists known for their tinwork, bultos and paintings, Crujido said; and Casias and Rodriquez are “absolutely incredible jewelers.”
Visitors who stay until the evening on Saturday can experience a new event called Courtyard After Dark; from 5-8 p.m. Crujido said guests can view the community ofrendas as well as enjoy traditional Mexican music.
“Pan dulce, hot chocolate and tamales will be available for purchase,” she said, adding that the evening is included with event admission or is $5 at the door.
Crujido said she is looking forward to the festival, which celebrates how Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is both a joyous occasion and time of reflection.
“It is a beautiful, festive and ritualistic practice that keeps the memories of our loved ones alive, in a humorous yet healing way.”