MesaNow
City of Mesa News
City of Mesa News
The City of Mesa, Mesa Arts Center and the community proudly celebrate the memories of departed loved ones with the 19th annual Da de los Muertos Festival on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 26, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On Saturday, Oct. 25, the free festival kicks off at 10 a.m. with a traditional Aztec Dance performance by Grupo Coatlicue. On Sunday, Oct. 26, the closing ceremony at 4:30 p.m. will include Mayor Freeman and Consul General of Mexico Jorge Mendoza Yescas. Each morning begins with Relaxed Hour at 9 a.m., offering a more accessible experience for attendees.
"The Da de los Muertos festival at Mesa Arts Center is a beautiful blend of tradition and community," said Mandy Tripoli, executive director of Mesa Arts Center. "It's a celebration that brings people together year after year, and this year families can enjoy even more hands-on artmaking, performances and activities for all ages, with Relaxed Hour expanded to both days to ensure the festival is welcoming to everyone."
The nationally recognized, award-winning community festival offers nonstop live entertainment featuring mariachi music, folklorico dance, contemporary bands and a dedicated DJ stage. Hands-on artmaking activity highlights include a Copper Enamel Calaveras workshop, free youth nichos and activities with MABEL. Mesa Arts Center's Art Studios also offer free glass and ceramics demonstrations throughout the festival.
The festival has a new 1st Avenue extension, featuring a larger stage and an expanded food court with a wide variety of food options. Other festival highlights include traditional face painting and a vibrant Mercado Marketplace showcasing traditional and contemporary merchandise, jewelry and Mexican arts and crafts from local artisans and vendors. Colorful decorations that visitors have come to love, including painted calaveras created by La Morena, hang throughout the festival.
In the spirit of traditional Da de los Muertos festivities, the festival's centerpiece features a new community altar designed by local artist Xochitl Avila. On the altar, attendees can leave mementos in honor of their loved ones who have passed. Photographs are kept and replaced each year or can be collected by 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26.
This year, Mexican artists Oscar Becerra Mora and Ruben Miguel Castillo Navarrete, the same artists who created the beloved alebrije sculpture on view, will create a new giant Catrina. Throughout September, they will also lead craft workshops for all ages at Mesa Arts Center (dates and times to be announced soon). Sculpture student and award-winning volunteer Barbara Atkinson and Metal Sculpture Lead Instructor Matt Smith have also contributed a new Catrina sculpture.
Visitors can also experience a new immersive digital cemetery designed by Mesa Youth Creative Agency. See live muralists curated by local legends, Such and Champ Styles, in action, including Mando Rascon, Nyla Lee, Raul Cordova and Lalo Cota. The annual Altar Contest for schools, communities and individuals returns to the Piper Theater. Capture your festival experience with photobooths, tintamarresques and selfies with costumed stilt walkers from Circus Farm.
Relaxed Hour is Saturday and Sunday mornings from 9-10 a.m. It offers a festival experience that is welcoming, inclusive and comfortable for those with sensory sensitivities, with fewer crowds, reduced lighting, less amplified sound, allergy-friendly snacks, sensory-friendly play space, meet-and-greets with performers and artmaking activities led by specialist artists.
The festival culminates with an open procession to the Community Altar, led by Grupo Coatlicue, Mariachi Sones del Desierto and Ballet Folklorico La Llorona, followed by a closing performance by Mariachi Pasion starting at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26.
This year's poster art was designed by local artist Isaac Caruso, and the large-scale theater window art was created by local studio Azteca Graphics. Both designs will also be featured on t-shirts available for purchase at the festival.
There is no charge to attend the Da de los Muertos Festival, and parking is free. Mesa Arts Center is located at One East Main Street in downtown Mesa. For more information, visit mesaartscenter.com.
Desert Financial Credit Union and SRP are the presenting sponsors of the Da de los Muertos Festival. Additional festival support is provided by BASIS Charter Schools, National Minority Quality Forum, Humana, Food City, Consulate General of Mexico, Jarritos, Alliance Urgent Care, Phoenix Raceway and Celerion, and is presented in partnership with Mesa Arts Center Foundation