Día de los Muertos or the “Day of the Dead”, is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout México, in particular the Central and South regions, and by people of Mexican ancestry living in other places, especially the United States. The multi-day holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. The celebration begins on November 1 (All Saints’ Day) and November 2 (All Souls’ Day). Families make altars with photos of the deceased, along with offerings of food, candles, incense and yellow marigolds. Colorado has celebrated this time-honored tradition and will host a variety of family events in the southwestern states, as well as Halloween events.
COLORADO / DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
November 3 – Longmont Museum: Colorado’s largest Day of the Dead celebration is in Longmont for the Longmont Museum’s signature event, attracting more than 6,000 people to the exhibit, family celebration, and related programming. Longmont Museum & Cultural Center’s annual Día de los Muertos free exhibition runs through November 6. In partnership with the Mexican Cultural Center, the Longmont Museum is proud to showcase “Xólotl: Dios Perro,” a monumental alebrije sculpture by international artist Oscar Becerra. Altars for the dead, created by members of the community, will also be a central part of the exhibit. The free family celebration on Saturday, Nov. 3, 11am-3pm, will feature fun and live entertainment including music and dancing, sugar skull decorating, traditional food, community altars, paper flower making, face painting, Day of the Dead icon Lady Catrina and more. On October 27, 1pm and 2:30pm, join a free tour of the Day of the Dead exhibition with bilingual tour guide Laura Zavala. Oct 28, 1 pm; Drop in to this free family-friendly event and learn to make sugar skulls. You will help make sugar skulls that will be decorated during the November 3rd Family Celebration. Longmont Museum,400 Quail Road in Longmont. Info: 303-776-6050 or longmontcolorado.gov.
November 3 – Denver Botanic Gardens: The Denver Botanic Gardens, York St. will host their annual Día de los Muertos Festival, 9am-4pm. The Gardens celebrates this fun and colorful tradition with activities, crafts and exhibits for all ages. Día de los Muertos costumes are encouraged. Free Gardens and event admission. 9am-4pm, Altars of Remembrance and Community Altar; Photo booth and face painting (Tickets $10-$20, last ticket sold at 3pm); Children’s craft activities; 10am Aztec Grupo Huitzilopochtli; 11:30pm, 12:30pm, 1:30pm: Lucha Libre featuring live wrestling featuring local luchadores; 11:30am and 2pm, Costume Contest; 3pm, Candle lighting ceremony and moment of remembrance in a moment of silence to honor those who have left us; 3:10pm, Odyssey of the Butterfly & Procession. Volunteer Opportunities vol@botanicgardens.org or call 720-865-3565. Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St., Denver CO 80206, 720-865-3500, Botanicgardens.org.
November 2 – Mexican Cultural Center: The Mexican Cultural Center and artist Manuel Cordero are hosting a Día de Muertos exhibit “Del Sur al Norte” and celebration. The exhibit will be on display through Nov. 2, (Gallery hours, Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm). There will be a special celebration on Nov. 2nd, 5-7pm at the Mexican Cultural Center Gallery that is free and open to the public. The Mexican Cultural Center is located at 5350 Leetsdale Dr, Suite 200W, Denver, CO 80246, 303-331-0172.
November 1 – Día de los Muertos/Aurora: The city of Aurora’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs and the Mexican Cultural Center, will host a free Día de los Muertos celebration in Aurora on Nov. 1, 4-8pm, at the People’s Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora, CO.
COLORADO / HALLOWEEN
October 26-28 Elitch Gardens: Elitch Gardens transforms into Family By Day and Fright By Night. Fright Fest. Little ghosts and goblins can enjoy Free Candy on the Trick or Treat Trail and Fright by Night takes over with shrieks, shrills and chills. Info: elitchgardens.com/fright-fest or 303-595-4386.
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