Día de Muertos

DATE: Altar On View Nov. 1-3 | Festival Nov. 2-3
TIME: 12 - 6 p.m. | Procession 5 - 6 p.m.
PRICE: Included with Membership or General Admission

Día de Muertos returns to the Garden with a stunning community altar, vibrant procession, food, music and more. Starting Nov. 1, a community altar centered on the legend of the Cempasúchil flower (marigold) and the story of Xóchitl and Huitzilin will be on display in Ottosen Gallery.

It is believed that on Día de Muertos, the scent of the Cempasúchil flower guides the souls of the deceased to the offering waiting for them in the world of the living. The romantic tale of Xóchitl and Huitzilin unfolds in this ofrenda exhibit through dramatic visuals including monumental flower sculptures and handcrafted silver hummingbirds made by artisans from Taxco de Alarcón.

The deconstructed altar design will also feature the ceramic artwork of Oaxacan artist Rufina Ruiz Lopez. Visitors are invited to place memories and wishes for loved ones on the ofrenda.

This event is rain or shine. 

EVENT SCHEDULE:

COMMUNITY ALTAR EXHIBIT

Ottosen Gallery
Ofrenda, or offering, is a central element in Día de Muertos. Its creation is part ritual and part celebration. The altar is decorated with candles, flowers, fruits, foods and photographs of deceased loved ones. Family and community participate in preparing, assembling and decorating the altar. All installations are original pieces that created by local artists specifically for this exhibition. The Ofrenda is open in conjunction with all Día de Muertos activites.

La PROCESIÓN

Starts at Ullman Terrace & concludes in Sunset Plaza 5–6 p.m.
Join Cachito Dance Project and Alebrijes Iluminados in a procession in memory of passed loved ones. Join la procesión at any point along its journey or meet it at its end in Sunset Plaza for the burning of las penas (the sorrows).

PERFORMANCES

Saturday

Ullman Terrace
Ballet Folklorico Ollin Yoliztli 12-1:30 p.m.
Mariachi Estrellas Musicales 2-2:45 p.m.
JALEO  3:30-5 p.m.

Boppart Courtyard
Louie S. 12-1:30 p.m.
Cachito Dance Project 2-3:15 p.m.
Fiesta Mexicana Dance Company 3:30-4:45 p.m.

Sunday

Ullman Terrace
Ballet Folklorico Ollin Yoliztli 12-1:30 p.m.
Tradiciones Dance Company 2-2:45 p.m.
Andrés Martínez & Ritmo Latino  3:30-5 p.m.

Boppart Courtyard
Louie S. 12-1:30 p.m.
Cachito Dance Project 2-3:15 p.m.
Fiesta Mexicana Dance Company 3:30-4:45 p.m.

MERCADO
Dorrance Hall

Amor Fashion Shop Mexican Boutique clothing and accessories
Arte de Mi Tierra Mexican textiles, hand-embroidered goods
Aurora’s Flower Creations Flower crowns, Catrina hats, bags and fans
Cajitas Lindas Day of the Dead related art and shrines boxes known (cajitas)
Camisetas El Monte Day of the Dead T-shirts, and Lucha Libre Masks
Después De la Vida Arte Homemade earrings, printed t-shirts, headpieces and more
Funkychickeneggranch Mexican folk art, Day of the Dead art, and clothing
GinasOriginalAZ Handmade upcycled jewelry, small tapestries and more
Kiwi Pets Boutique Hand embroidered items
MantasticArtist Day of the Dead art
Marco Albarran Dia de Muertos art and personal handmade art creations
Masks by Felipe Horta Carved wooden masks for traditional dances
Maxica Colectivo Handmade beadwork, quartz crystal, metal jewelry
Monica Gisel Art Fine art prints, giclees, and jewelry
Oaxaca Imports Handmade Pottery and artwork
Ollin Yoliztli Dance Academy Mexican arts and crafts
Veronica Sandoval Fine Art Hand embossed metal

ACTIVITIES
Binns Pavilion
Face painting | Have your face painted in a Día de Muertos calavera style (Line will be capped when capacity is reached)

Kitchell Patio
Decorate Sugar Skulls (fee applies) | With Creative Calaveras

Amphitheater
Paper Flowers | Make paper flowers with artist Oliverio B

Ullman Terrace
Nicho Boxes | Create a colorful Nicho with artist Melissa Martinez
Storytelling Stamping | Bring the thoughts of your subconscious to life with this one-on-one art and storytelling activity hosted by artist Kathy Cano-Murillo, The Crafty Chica

Pritzlaff Patio
Sand Painting | Watch local artist Roy Wasson Valle create a stunning sand painting

FOOD & DRINK

Desert Terrace
Fruits and Events Don Marcos LLC | Fruit cups, agua frescas, shaved ice

Eliot Patio
La Purisima Bakery | Pan de Muerto and Pan Dulce

Patio Café at Ullman Terrace
Gertrude’s Restaurant (Reservations recommended)
Boppart Courtyard
Specialized menu by Fabulous Food Fine Catering & Events

BAR SERVICE
Boppart Courtyard & Ullman Terrace
Beer, wine, soda and water available for purchase Debit & Credit Only