8th Annual Scottsdale Dia de los Muertos Fiestas Returns to City Oct. 24-Nov. 2

The city of Scottsdale is pleased to partner with Scottsdale and Los Angeles-based cultural events specialty production company LORE Media & Arts to present the 8th Annual Scottsdale Día de los Muertos Fiestas. This event features traditional experiences and authentic art installations throughout Old Town Scottsdale from Thursday, Oct. 24 through Sunday, Nov. 2, the Day of the Dead.

“The city of Scottsdale is proud to carry on the traditions of the important cultures that helped shape this community and Dia de los Muertos is just one such example,” said Scottsdale’s assistant police chief Helen Gandara. “This year’s series of events is presented with great respect to this rich cultural celebration and we invite our residents and guests to find out what the ‘Day of the Dead’ truly represents.”

The Scottsdale Día de los Muertos Fiestas features two all new events this year: the Desfile de los Muertos Procession and the Fiesta de Muertos.

“With the city of Scottsdale’s partnership, our Día de Los Muertos festivities offer residents and tourists over ten days of uniquely curated kindred experiences to learn, celebrate and honor the sacred memories of our loved ones,”  said festival producer and founder, Robert Ramirez.

The event lineup is as follows:

Altares Y Ofrendas Experience

Thursday, Oct. 24-Saturday, Nov. 2 | 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The Old Adobe Mission

Free admission

Featuring artwork and a photographic exhibition, “La Ofrenda” by Gus Mejia Arte as well as altars designed by Oaxacan artists, guests can enjoy breathtaking visual representations of this honored festival as depicted by the artists.

Art Installation Experience

Thursday, Oct. 24-Sunday, Oct. 27 | 8:00 a.m. to10:00 p.m.

Scottsdale Civic Center

Free admission

Large-scale 2D and 3D Dia de los Muertos art activations, sculptures and altars will be on display throughout the Scottsdale Civic Center and entrance to the center’s West Paseo area.

Procession Desfile de los Muertos

Friday, Oct. 25 | 6:00 p.m. to10 p.m.

Beginning at the Old Adobe Mission

Free admission

Guests can become part of an authentic Día de los Muertos celebration by way of a traditional procession. The experience will feature face makeup stations so attendees can fully immerse themselves in the festivities. Guanajuato Mexico Dance Company will perform ceremonial Aztec presentations at the beginning and end of the event. Guests can also enjoy performances by Sister Cities sponsored Estudiantina Musicians from Alamos, Mexico, as well as attendees dressed in traditional Day of the Dead attire.

Fiesta de Muertos

Saturday, Oct. 26 | 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Scottsdale Civic Center

Free Admission

Throughout the day, attendees can delve into the rich cultural traditions of this celebration through musical performances and presentations. Food, arts and crafts booths and merchants will round out the festival experience.

Danza de Muertos

Saturday, Oct. 26 | 8:00 p.m.

Virginia G. Piper Theater, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

LORE Media & Arts and Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company present Danza de Muertos, a new and reimagined performance of Mexican folk dance, music, art, and ancestral ritual. Audiences will be captivated by the rich traditions of Dia de los Muertos, showcased through the magic and inspiration of the performers’ movements and bold costumes. Tickets can be purchased at scottsdaleperformingarts.org/event/scottsdale-dia-de-los-muertos-fiestas.

For complete details about the Scottsdale Dia de los Muertos Fiestas, visit scottsdalediadelosmuertos.com.

For more about the city of Scottsdale, visit scottsdaleaz.gov or oldtownscottsdaleaz.com