The Mesa Arts Center campus hosts a celebration in the memory of departed loved ones with the Sixth Annual Dia de los Muertos Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 27 and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 28. This festival is a community celebration complete with live entertainment, food, a Mercado featuring traditional and contemporary merchandise, jewelry, Mexican arts and crafts from local artisans and vendors, children’s activities and five contemporary altars designed by artist Juan Olalde.

In addition to the arts and educational activities planned for the festival, there will be multiple food vendors serving a variety of traditional Mexican snacks and a multitude of beverages. Join us at the Bookmans Family Creativity Area on the south lawn to create Ceramic Skull Necklaces and authentic Sugar Skulls. One free skull per person with a small fee for each additional skull. Stop by the Bookmans table where we will have a keepsake just for you.

Dia de los Muertos Celebration is presented in partnership with the Consulate General of Mexico in Phoenix, Friends of Mexican Art, Mesa Association of Hispanic Citizens and the Mesa Latino Town Hall. Admission and parking to this event are free. In the spirit of traditional Dia de los Muertos festivities, the community altar will be the centerpiece for the festival, where attendees can leave mementos in honor of their loved ones who have passed. Kyllan Maney and Lauren Lee will be creating a custom Dia de Los Muertos Katrina painting as well as the chalk art on the community altar. In addition, Mesa Arts Center is asking the community to create paper flowers and deliver them to be used to embellish the final altar. For a complete schedule of events visit the Mesa Arts Center website.