10/27-28: Chiles, Chocolates and Day of the Dead
It’s a rare festival that walks the line between decadent treats and honoring the dead. Then again, Day of the Dead is all about celebrating life, typically incorporating shrines and candy skulls. Guests may indulge in the finest chocolate and hottest chiles as they roam among booths and food trucks. There also will be live music and some Dia de los Muertos-inspired facepainting.
Details: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 27-28. Tohono Chul Park, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte, Tucson. $15, free for 12 and
Celebrate the rich heritage of the Southwest and its vibrant Hispanic community at this event at the Tucson Botanical Gardens. There will be Day of the Dead face painters, sugar-skull making, pan de muerto, mariachis, a memorial shrine and a procession through the gardens. Guests are encouraged to bring notes or mementos to leave at the memorial shrine.
Details: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way, Tuscon. $13; $10 for adult members; $7.50 for children; $4 for child members. 520-326-9686, tucsonbotanical.org.
10/28: Dia de los Muertos celebration at Tlaquepaque
Music, food, fire dancing and beautiful altars will be part of the celebration at Tlaquepaque. Come in costume, and bring a photograph, flowers, decorations, lit candles or the favorite food and drink of a loved one who has passed away to contribute to one of the ofrenda installations.
Details: 2-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. 336 State Route 179, Sedona. Free. 928-2824838, tlaq.com.
11/3-5: All Souls Procession weekend in Tucson
More than 150,000 march through the streets of downtown Tucson to celebrate and mourn the lives of loved ones who have passed. A large urn filled with the hopes, offerings and wishes of the public for those who have passed will be burned. There will be a number of altars, performers and art installations.
Details: Friday-Sunday, Nov. 3-5. Procession marchers gather at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5 at Grande Avenue south of Speedway Boulevard. Free. allsoulspro cession.org.