Events: Arizona - Phoenix - Scottsdale

The sixth annual Dia de los Muertos Festival hosted by St. Mary’s Basilica in downtown Phoenix, will be bigger than ever this year with the addition of Aztec-costumed dancers leading the opening procession with energetic dance, and four large community ofrendas (altars to honor the memory of ancestors) designed by local Hispanic artists. The family-friendly, outdoor event takes place at 3rd and Monroe Streets, and is free and open to all. A suggested donation: one item of non-perishable food for St. Vincent de Paul.

Here are five ways to get into the spirit of the day at the event:

• Learn how to make a “shoebox altar,” a personal ofrenda to commemorate a deceased loved one. St Mary’s will offer a class in October.

• Bring a photo of a deceased loved one to place on one of the community ofrendas created by local artists (a 5x7 paper frame will be provided).

• Dress in costume and join the colorful parade around the block led by Aztec dancers and mariachi

• Witness the release of monarch butterflies

• Feast on suckling roast pig, prepared by our friends from the Kingdom of Tonga

Dia de los Muertos is a celebration of life, a day to remember and honor the departed with music and dancing. The annual ritual of remembrance originated in ancient Mesoamerica with Aztec, Maya, Toltec and other indigenous groups who believed death was part of the journey of life. It was later combined with two Spanish holidays, All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, and remains an important celebration in Mexico and parts of Central and South America.

In downtown Phoenix, the Dia de los Muertos Festival will include catrinas, mariachi, ballet folklorico, a local artisan market, free kids’ activities, a lowrider car show, and ofrendas.  There will also be food trucks, and live entertainment by the Power Drive Band. Local artists will create four community ofrendas where the public are invited to place photos of their deceased loved ones.

Sunday November 3, 2019; 11 am - 5 pm

St Mary’s Basilica Plaza, downtown Phoenix, 3rd Street at Monroe

Admission is free; suggested donation of non-perishable food

St. Mary’s Basilica, the oldest Catholic parish in Phoenix, has been staffed by Franciscan Friars since 1895. The building, an example of Mission Revival architecture, dates from 1902. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, and voted a “Phoenix Point of Pride” in 1993. Docent tours are available by appointment. For more information, visit www.saintmarysbasilica.org