Known to most as the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), the holiday is to celebrate and remember those we’ve lost while preparing special food to honor them.
The 35th annual All Souls Procession Weekend is happening from Friday, November 1 to Sunday, November 3, featuring a Dance of the Dead party at the MSA Annex, a community altar, and more. Learn all about it at allsoulsprocession.org.
Also, here in Tucson, there are also few food-focused events, gatherings to honor loved ones, and more — some happening sooner than others.
So, pay close attention to dates and locations and start planning!
As an acknowledgment of all things sugar and spice, Tohono Chul is hosting its annual Chiles, Chocolate, and Day of the Dead Festival from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on both Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2.
Dozens of food and craft vendors will fill the park grounds with creations from local chefs, artists, and schools. The event is meant to pay homage to the enduring borderland traditions of Día de los Muertos — allowing the community to leave remembrances of lost loved ones.
Tickets are available for each day during the two-day festival for $25 per adult, $10 for Tohono Chul Members, $7 for those between the ages of four and 12, and anyone can join the fun for free.
“Chill vibes, great music, amazing drink specials, and food to die for! Enjoy games, and good company with us this Friday from 8 p.m. to midnight.” They’ll also have tattoo artist Cedric on site as well as Calavera makeup (sugar skull) by Ms. Mary. “
St. Phililp’s Plaza, along with Reforma and Union Public House, are hosting a Day of the Dead celebration out on the patio from 5 – 11 p.m. on Friday, November 1.
“Celebrate Día de los Muertos with a festive brunch, blending our traditional favorites with vibrant Mexican-inspired dishes. Enjoy listening to Mariachi Luz de Luna while indulging in everything from Seafood Ceviche and Tamales to sweet treats like Tres Leches Cake and Pan de Muerto. Join us in honoring loved ones who’ve passed while enjoying great food and a festival atmosphere.”
“The event starts at 4 p.m. and there will be a traditional service and altar offering at 4:30 p.m., a live folklorico and mariachi performance at 5 p.m., and the film will start at 6 p.m. There will also be food trucks, vendors, arts and crafts, and face painters on site.”
“Built on the site of an old cemetery, once a year the spirits emerge to take over the playground and throw a party. HANG OUT WITH US (if you dare) up on the Skydeck at Playground for our annual Halloween/Noche de los Muertos Party! creepy specialty cocktails (bloody mary, anyone?) good food, and great company.”
“Far from a somber occasion, Día de Los Muertos is a lively event filled with colorful traditions that blend indigenous beliefs with Spanish Catholic influences. In this Glow in the Dark dancing extravaganza, Viva Performing Arts Director & Creator Julie Gallego blends ancient traditions with contemporary adaptations, ensuring that Día de Los Muertos remains a dynamic and enduring cultural celebration.”
The taproom will have:
“Join us on Sunday, November 3rd to celebrate Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, in TBG’s beloved Nuestro Jardín, our Barrio Garden. Enjoy festive floral displays and an ofrenda, a community altar to honor the lives of family and friends who have passed. There will be mariachi and puppet performances, and educational programming for all ages.”
“The festival will also feature the unveiling of Arizona’s largest mural, a breathtaking 26,400-square-foot masterpiece by renowned artist Jessica Gonzales. This stunning work of art will be celebrated with an official dedication from 3:30 to 4 p.m., marking a new chapter in Tucson’s urban art landscape.
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