While Halloween may be the big holiday this time of year in most of the United States, Dia de los Muertos is just as important in Greater Phoenix. Originating in Mexico, Día de los Muertos, or day of the Day, is usually held on November 1st and 2nd, honoring family, friends and loved ones who have died. Despite its focus, the holiday is one of joy, featuring staples such as sweet bread, or pan de muertos, calaveras or sugar skulls, and altars adorned in beautiful marigolds to remember those we loved. 

Greater Phoenix has strong Mexican roots that are still celebrated in every part of the city today. Find the best things to do in Greater Phoenix to celebrate the Day of the Dead.

Find more things to do this weekend on our event calendar.  You can always find Halloween-related events here. We've also rounded up the best fall festivals around town, as well as Hispanic Heritage Month events in Greater Phoenix. Our best pumpkin patches and corn mazes round-up is here. 

Events

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Scottsdale Dia De Los Muertos: Fiesta De Muertos Y Danza

Oct. 24

Celebrate Día de los Muertos in Old Town Scottsdale with music, art, culture, community, large-scale installations, the Catrina Fashion Contest, the Catrina Fashion Show, the Desfile de los Muertos procession, and a special appearance by Lupita Infante. Free admission.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

 

Mikiztli Dia De Los Muertos Festival

Oct. 24

The annual Mikiztli Día De Los Muertos Festival will feature music, dance, masked performances, kids art activities, artists mercado and candlelight closing procession with ceremony and celebration. This festival is a unique and exciting artistic event that keeps families connected to their cultural heritage and traditions.

Arizona Center

 

Día de los Muertos Festival at Mesa Arts Center

Oct. 24-25

The annual free event offers a variety of features, performances and more in celebration of the memories of the deceased. In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the festival, Grammy Award Winning Artist Lila Downs will perform.

Mesa Arts Center

 

18th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival

Nov. 7

Ballet Folklorico Esperanza and the City of Avondale host a one-of-a-kind artistic and cultural event that is family friendly and free to the public, with live music, food trucks, arts and crafts, and a community ofrenda for all. If you have loved ones you'd like to honor and remember, bring their picture and place them on the community altar.

Avondale Goodyear Farms Historic Cemetery

 

Día de los Muertos at Desert Botanical Garden

Nov. 6-9

Día de Muertos returns to the Garden with a stunning open-air community altar featuring the work of artisans in an authentic and moving display honoring lost loved ones. Visitor will enjoy face-painting, crafts, food, performances, and a moving sunset procession through the Garden.

Desert Botanical Garden

 

St. Mary's Basilica's 13th Annual Dia de los Muertos Festival

Nov. 1

The 13th annual Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival, which celebrates the memory of deceased loved ones, attracts crowds upwards of 10,000 people to St. Mary’s Basilica, a Phoenix Point of Pride and historic building listed on the National Register. This family-friendly event in downtown Phoenix is free to the public. 

St. Mary's Basilica Outdoor Plaza

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