3 fun events this weekend

On By Littum

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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 away. No matter where you are in metro Phoenix, there’s likely a party nearby.

To celebrate appropriatelyconsider attending a festival with colorful altars, traditional music and vibrant decorations. Take part in traditional activities like face painting or making sugar skulls that embody the spirit of the holiday. Visit local markets for handmade crafts and authentic food, and attend community gatherings to share stories and memories.

Embrace the beauty of this Mexican tradition at these Day of the Dead parties around metro Phoenix.

Día de los Muertos at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix

This celebration features a fantastic community altar inspired by the cempasúchil (morning) flower and the love story of Xóchitl and Huitzilin.

See dramatic displays of floral sculptures and handmade 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 pictures and souvenirs on the ofrenda.

Details: Dinner-18 Friday-Sunday 1.-3. November. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. Included with $24.95 garden admission fee ($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 fellowship. Bring pictures of your loved ones to place on the altar as a memorial.

Details: 17.00-21.00 Saturday 2 November. 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: 16.30-19.30 Saturday 2 November. Mountain View Funeral Home & Cemetery, 7900 E. Main St., Mesa. Free. mountainviewfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.

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