The Day of the Dead is not at all like Halloween. The two days that comprise the Day of the Dead celebration is actually a public holiday in Mexico. It is not surprising, then, that since there is a significant number of people from Mexico and with ancestors from Mexico in Arizona, that Day of the Dead would be a popular celebration here.
The Arizona Museum of Natural History (formerly known as the Mesa Southwest Museum) provided us with this explanation of El Día de los Muertos, or, in English, Day of the Dead:
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The Day of the Dead is a ritual the indigenous people of Mexico have been practicing for more than 3,000 years. It is still celebrated in Mexico as well as certain parts of the United States
and Central America. Native Aztecs and other Meso-American civilizations viewed death as the continuation of life rather than the end.
In the United States and certain parts of Mexico it is traditional for families to build in-home altars dedicated to the dead. They place flowers, food, pictures of the deceased and lighted candles around the altars.
Many Valley cities host Day of the Dead celebrations each year on the first two days of November. People will sometimes don wooden skull masks and dance to honor deceased loved ones. The wooden skulls, or calacas, are also placed on altars. A relative or a friend often eats sugar skulls, bearing the name of the dead person on the forehead.
Day of the Dead Celebrations/Exhibits in the Phoenix Area
¡Que Vivan Los Muertos!
The Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival Exhibit can be seen at the ASU Museum of Anthropology located on the ASU Tempe Campus. It includes traditional altars, cajitas (small traveling altars) and artwork.
In 2009: October 12, 2009 - January 8, 2010
Ofrenda: an Ancient Mexican Tradition Honoring Ancestors
The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art hosts a free lecture exploring the tradition of ofrendas – altars for the deceased – created in conjunction with Mexico’s annual celebration. Join educator, artist and priest Jorge Rodriguez Eagar as he discusses how families decorate the graves of loved ones with offerings for this unique celebration.
In 2009: October 18 at 2 p.m.
Day of the Dead Altar Box Workshop
Join Pueblo Grande Museum and artist April Bojorquez for a Day of the Dead Altar Box workshop. This workshop will offer a historical overview of el Dia de los Muertos. Individuals will then be guided through the process of creating a personalized box altar, using their new knowledge and the supplies provided. Participants are encouraged to bring pictures or small objects of loved ones who have passed on to use in their altar. Pre-registration is required and spaces are limited. Age: 12+, $35.
In 2009: October 24
Dearly Departed: A Day of the Dead Celebration and Exhibition of Ofrendas, Cajitas and Artworks
Through wall pieces and installation work created for Dearly Departed, Vision Gallery visitors will take part in a tradition that dates back thousands of years. The ritual, called Dia de los Muertos, or, The Day of the Dead, is celebrated in Mexico and parts of the United States. It is characterized by the traditional Mexican blend of ancient and contemporary features used to remember the dearly departed and to celebrate life. Admission is free, and gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. An artists’ reception will be held on Wednesday, November 4 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The reception, free and open to the public, coincides with the November downtown Chandler Art Walk. The Dearly Departed exhibition will close with an open house and gallery tours on Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., also free. There will be free children’s make ‘n’ take activities on November 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. Kids will have the chance to decorate sugar skulls and make pressed-tin ornaments.
In 2009: October 19 through November 7
Burton Barr Central Library, Phoenix
In the Central Gallery the library hosts a Día de los Muertos art exhibition featuring the work of emerging and established Arizona artists.
In 2009: October 26 - November 7
Dia de los Muertos Celebration
An artist Mercado showcasing an assortment of traditional and contemporary merchandise, jewelry, and arts and crafts from several local artisans. Live artist demonstrations, artist workshops, altar contests, hands-on educational activities. Live traditional music and dance. Community altar and procession. Free admission. Mesa Arts Center.
In 2009: October 31, November 1
Día de los Muertos at the Desert Botanical Garden
Various events, entertainment opportunities, ofrenda and Sculpture installations, dances and a cabaret at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix.
In 2009: October 31 - November 6, 2009
Dia de los Muertos Festival
Live entertainment featuring: Mariachi Pasion, Un Corazon Flamenco, Ballet Folklorico Esperanza. Kids Zone features free crafts and games related to the event. Traditional foods will be sold. Free admission. Estrella Mountain Community College, Avondale.
In 2009: October 31
Day of the Dead Art and Imagery
Adelante Gallery at el Pedregal celebrates the Dia De Los Muertos holiday featuring Day of the Dead Art and Imagery by four local artists, and festive live music by Louis Castro on the courtyard stage from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Guests are invited to view unique, hand-crafted works of art such as paintings, custom made sugar skulls, and jewelry showing the holiday’s famous skeletons. Free admission. Specialty margaritas and home made “Pan de Muertos” (Day of the Dead Bread) will be available for purchase at the Bakery Café.
In 2009: October 31
Día de los Muertos at Arizona Museum for Youth
Make a patterned skeleton stamp print at the Arizona Museum for Youth from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free with museum admission, no registration required.
In 2009: November 1
All dates, times, prices and offerings are subject to change without notice.
