Day of the Dead events around Phoenix
Day of the Dead, or Dìa de los Muertos, is a Mexican holiday that honors loved ones who have passed away.
In Phoenix, a number of organizations host festivals that celebrate the holiday, incorporating many of the traditions including processions, displaying altars, and showcasing the calaca with sugar skulls, skeleton masks and sculptures. Instead of a somber affair, life is celebrated at these colorful events. Here are great events across the Valley and state.
10/27: Vida y Muerte
The downtown Phoenix multi-cultural arts gallery hosts this annual event, bringing together Dìa de los Muertos and Halloween traditions. The soiree includes a hair and make-up runway show, a number of altars including ones dedicated to the victims of the Mexico earthquake and Hurricane Maria, a drag walk, and a musical performance from Lobos Musicarios. Wear a costume; prizes will be awarded.
Details: 6-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27. Luna Culture Lab, 803 E. Washington St., Phoenix. $10. 602-354-3430, lunaculturelab.org.
10/27-11/5: Day of the Dead Ofrenda
Desert Caballeros Western Museum and the students of Wickenburg High School work together to create an ofrenda to celebrate Dia de los Muertos. Attendees are encouraged to bring mementos to leave at the ofrenda.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 27, 28, 30 and 31; Noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29 and Nov. 5. Desert Caballeros Western Museum, 21 N. Frontier St., Wickenburg. $12; $10 for seniors and children 17 or younger. 928-6842272, westernmuseum.org.
10/27-11/7: Ofrenda Exhibition at Desert Botanical Garden
Ofrendas are part of the traditional Mexican celebration of Dia de los Muertos, and this exhibition displays original ofrenda installations by local artists. Ofrendas usually take place in a home with the placement of photographs, flowers, lighted candles and more in a special location for those who have died, in order to help transform grief into acceptance.
Details: Oct. 27-Nov. 7. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. Free with paid garden admission. $24.95; $12.95 for ages 3-12; free for members and age 3 or younger. 480-481-8188, dbg.org.
10/28-29: Dia de los Muertos Festival at Mesa Arts Center
Mesa Arts Center presents this two-day extravaganza with more than a dozen cultural performances, live music, altars created by local artists, a community altar, food and a mercado with jewelry, crafts, arts and furniture.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. Noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Phoenix. Free. 480644-6500, mesaartscenter.com/diadelos muertos.
10/28-29: Dia de los Muertos in Historic Downtown Glendale
Celebrate Dia de los Muertos with traditional performers, local bands and ballet folklorico. There will also be healthy food options and free health screenings. Bring the whole family to celebrate those who have passed and create plenty of memories.
Details: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 28-29. Murphy Park, 58th and Glendale avenues, Glendale. Free. visitglendale.com.
10/29: Dia de los Muertos PHX Festival
Celebrate life at this annual free and family-friendly festival, which will feature a wide variety of entertainment from mariachi bands, ballet folklorico and musical groups. The Quetzalcoatl feathered serpent will lead the procession, and largerthan-life skeletons Las Flacas and La Llorona will be roaming the festival. Activities include mask making, sugar-skull decorating, community altar, face-painting and artists’ mercado.
Details: Noon-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29. Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. Free. diadelosmuer tosphx.com.
11/4-5: Dia de los Muertos celebration and La Procesión
The Desert Botanical Garden will host a two-day event with mariachi bands, ballet folklorico, a community altar, mercado with artwork, jewelry and gifts from local and international artists, and the Ofrenda exhibition. La Procesión, or the procession, will close out each day.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. for the festival;
5-6 p.m. for the procession. Nov. 4-5. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. Free with paid garden admission. $24.95; $12.95 for ages 3-12; free for members and age 3 or younger. 480-481-8188, dbg.org.
11/5: Dìa de los Muertos festival
St. Mary’s Basilica and Xico Arte y Cultura partner for the fourth year to host this event. The family-friendly event features local artists, vendor booths, food trucks, a classic car show, children’s activities and live entertainment from Andres Martinez y Ritmo Latino Band. Food trucks include Left Coast Burritos, Burgers Amore and Paletas Betty. There will also be a procession and a community altar on display. Canned food donations will benefit St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank.
Details: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5. St. Mary’s Basilica Plaza, 231 N. Third St., Phoenix. Free, canned food donation suggested. 480-833-5875 or 602-354-2100, smbasilica.wixsite.com/smbxicoddlm.
Around the state
younger. park.org. 520-742-6455, tohonochul
10/28: Feast With the Dearly Departed in Tucson