Día de los Muertos, the Mexican celebration of the Day of the Dead, comes alive this weekend, inviting everyone to honor and remember loved ones who have passed. No matter where you are in metro Phoenix, there’s likely a celebration nearby.
To celebrate appropriately, consider attending a festival featuring colorful altars, traditional music and vibrant decorations. Engage in traditional activities like face painting or crafting sugar skulls, which embody the spirit of the holiday. Visit local markets for handmade crafts and authentic foods and participate in community gatherings to share stories and memories.
Embrace the beauty of this Mexican tradition at these Day of the Dead celebrations around metro Phoenix.
Día de los Muertos at Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix
This celebration features a stunning community altar inspired by the cempasúchil (marigold) flower and the love story of Xóchitl and Huitzilin.
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See dramatic displays of flower sculptures and handcrafted silver hummingbirds alongside the ceramic art of Oaxacan artist Rufina Ruiz Lopez. Visitors can walk in the procession and honor their loved ones by placing photos and mementos on the ofrenda.
Details: Noon-6 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Nov. 1-3. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. Included with garden admission fee of $24.95 ($14.95 for ages 3-17). dbg.org.
Día de los Muertos Festival in Avondale
Celebrate the 16th annual Día de los Muertos Festival hosted by Ballet Folklorico Esperanza and Avondale. There will be live music and other entertainment, food trucks, arts and crafts and a community ofrenda. Bring pictures of your loved ones to place on the altar in remembrance.
Details: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2. Avondale Goodyear Farms Historical Cemetery, 3900 N Santa Fe Trail, Avondale. Free. balletfolkloricoesperanza.org.
Mountain View Funeral Home & Cemetery Dia de los Muertos
This family-friendly event invites the community to honor loved ones with beautifully decorated altars, enjoy food from local food trucks and experience cultural performances featuring folklorico dancers and mariachi music. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite Day of the Dead attire and get their faces painted at this celebration filled with remembrance and joy.
Details: 4-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2. Mountain View Funeral Home & Cemetery, 7900 E. Main St., Mesa. Free. mountainviewfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.
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