During the latter half of October into early November, there are a number of holiday-related events that are open to the community that blend cultural and religious traditions with food, shopping and entertainment. Here are nine ways to observe Día de Los Muertos around Phoenix in 2023.
Día de los Muertos Ofrenda Exhibition
Through Nov. 2Tempe History Museum, 809 E. Southern Ave.The Consulate General of Mexico in Phoenix and Mexican artist Monica Gisel Crespo are presenting a Día de Los Muertos ofrenda inspired by the state of Michoácan. You can see the exhibit for free through Nov. 2 any time Tempe History Museum is open: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.
'Altares Y Ofrendas'
Through Nov. 2Old Adobe Mission, 3817 N. Brown Ave., ScottsdaleThe city of Scottsdale presents an elaborate display of art and altars celebrating the rich, ancient traditions of Día de Los Muertos inside the historic Old Adobe Mission. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Admission is $15 but free for children age 10 and younger.
Día de Los Muertos Display
Oct. 27 to 30Near Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., ScottsdaleExperience Día de Los Muertos in the open air this year with the city of Scottsdale's display. It features large-scale fine art installations, Mesoamerican-inspired sculptures and traditional altars in the outdoor space north of Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 27 through 30. Admission is free and open to the public.
Ofrenda: A Día De Los Muertos Community Celebration
Saturday, Oct. 28Global Water Resources Inc., 22590 Powers Parkway South, MaricopaThis inaugural event in Maricopa will include altars adorned with marigolds, candles and photographs, plus traditional music, dance performances, face-painting, sugar skull decorating and food and drink. There is no cost to attend.
'Fiesta De Muertos Y Danza'
Saturday, Oct. 28Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., ScottsdaleGrandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company will combine art and ritual, transporting audience members through regions of Mexico and its richness and wonderment of cultures while honoring the origins of Día de Los Muertos’ celebration of life, loss and remembrance. The show begins at 8 p.m. Cost is $49 to $69; find tickets and information on the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts website.
Calaca characters from Desert Dance Theatre perform at a previous Mikitzli event.
Cultural Coalition
Mikiztli: Día de Los Muertos PHX Festival
Sunday, Oct. 29Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road
The Cultural Coalition promises that this year's edition of its Mikiztli: Día de Los Muertos Festival will have its largest community altar ever. The festival has also expanded to offer audiences more cultural performances, art vendors and food trucks. Come early to witness the traditional Danza Mexica ceremony, and stay late to be part of the community sunset procession led by “Las Flacas,” the 8-foot-tall animated skeleton puppets, after which a celebration dance party with live music by QVLN will take place. The event will be held 2 to 7 p.m. and there's no cost to attend.
Día de Los Muertos Pachanga
Saturday, Nov. 4Xico Inc., 829 N. First Ave.
It'll be quite the party in downtown Phoenix when Xico Inc. holds its annual pachanga party. From 7 to 11 p.m., attendees can see lowrider cars, hear live music and DJs, sip cocktails, enjoy food truck fare, look at the ofrendas and participate in the catrin/catrina costume contest. Cost is $35 general admission, which includes one drink, or $125 for VIP, which includes one drink, a tequila tasting and two special tastings from food trucks.
See a community altar, enjoy live performances and more at Desert Botanical Garden's Día de Muertos event.
Desert Botanical Garden
Día de Muertos
Nov. 4 and 5Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin ParkwayDesert Botanical Garden's holiday observance features an immersive experience that includes a mega community altar centered on the history and symbolism of the elegant skeleton figure La Catrina, a decorative and floral archway and a two-day celebration and festive processions. Enjoy delicious food, hands-on activities, dance, music and so much more during this weekend celebration. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. each day, and the event is included with garden admission, which is
Día de los Muertos Festival
Sunday, Nov. 5Saint Mary’s Basilica, 231 N. Third St.The 10th annual Día de Los Muertos Festival at Saint Mary's Basilica will have something for everyone; activities include a community altar to honor the deceased (attendees are encouraged to bring non-original photos of their loved ones to place on the altar); live entertainment including Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli-AZ, Mariachi Juvenil de Mi Tierra and Carmela Y Más; more than a dozen food trucks; an artisan market with more than 20 vendors; children’s activities and face painting; and a custom car show. There is no cost to attend, but guests are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items for a food drive for St. Vincent de Paul.
