Dia de Muertos / Day of the Dead

Día de Muertos/Day of the Dead is celebrated in Mexico and parts of the United States on or around November 2nd. On this holiday, people remember and honor their deceased loved ones.

It is a festive and colorful holiday celebrating the lives of those who have passed on. People visit cemeteries to decorate the graves and to be in the presence of their deceased friends and family members. They also create Ofrendas in their homes in honor of those who have passed.

The day is a unique aspect of Mexican culture passed down through generations, beginning well before the arrival of Europeans.  

UNESCO named the celebration as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2008.

Learn more about Day of the Dead.

In October and November of 2020, Casa Azul will host its 10th Annual Day of the Dead. 

For approximately four weeks Casa Azul works with the community to prepare for and celebrate Day of the Dead.  

Beginning in October, we kick off the event with a series of workshops for creating decorations for the main event and ofrenda exhibits. Experienced Mexican artists lead the workshops, providing instruction in the art of creating papel picado and sugar skulls.

Local artists and families are selected to create ofrendas to honor their loved ones or historical figures who have made major contributions to society in their lifetimes. These ofrendas are constructed in the traditional manner and are on display usually for a week following the Main Event. 

During the first weekend of November, the Main Event kicks off the opening of the Ofrenda Exhibit. Traditional cultural performances delight the 1,200 plus attendees. Face painting, traditional food samplings, and local musicians make the event respectful yet lively for all.