Día de los Muertos—or Day of the Dead—is a Mexican holiday which honors friends and family members who have passed, honoring them with music, dance, and other festivities.
Here are four places to celebrate nearby.
BARRIO QUEEN
Barrio Queen is throwing what it’s dubbed “the Valley’s largest Día de los Muertos Celebration.” The festivities take place Thurs., Nov. 2-Sat., Nov. 4 and are happening at all seven of its Valley locations, including its Old Town Scottsdale destination. In Scottsdale, live DJs spinning tunes on Thursday from 5:30-9:30 and live music on Friday beginning at 6:40 p.m. There will also be artists doing live paintings, T-shirt printing, fire breathers, and Catrina dolls, and impressive giveaways.
Drink specials include $5 Casa Margaritas, $4 draft beers (Modelo Especial, Modelo Negra, and Voodoo Ranger Juice Haze IPA), and Don Julio Flights (three ½ oz. pours) for just $10. Featured drinks are the Hibiscus Paloma ($14), Frozen Strawberry Limòn ($14), and Machete ($13). For food, the restaurant is offering a special four-course Día de los Muertos tasting menu for $36++, in addition to its regular menu and a featured food menu.
Barrio Queen teamed up with Voodoo Ranger and HonorHealth for the event, Voodoo Ranger donating $1 per every pint sold to HonorHealth.
7114 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale
Dia de los Muertos in Scottsdale. Courtesy LORE Media & Arts
SCOTTSDALE CIVIC CENTER/OLD ADOBE MISSION
View the exhibit Altares Y Ofrendas at the historic Old Adobe Mission through Nov. 2. This expanded installation of elaborate art and altar displays celebrates the rich, ancient traditions of Dia de Los Muertos. The exhibit is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily through Thurs., Nov. 2. Admission is $15 but free for children age 10 and younger.
3817 N. Brown Ave., Scottsdale
THE MEXICANO
Through Nov. 2, from open to close, The Mexicano is pouring all-day specials, including $5 margaritas and Draft Modelo. Guests can expect an over-the-top experience including Day of the Dead decor, live entertainment by DJs, fire dancers, Day of the Dead stilt walkers, and custom Modelo print tote bags, and Day of the Dead masks for guests to get into the spirit.
4801 E. Cactus Road, Scottsdale
Courtesy The Mexicano
NEARBY …
DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN
On Nov. 4 and 5, Desert Botanical Garden celebrates the holiday with an all-new immersive experience by Cultural Curator Ulrike Figueroa Vilchis of Mexico City. This year’s theme is La Catrina and is centered on the history and symbolism of the elegant skeleton figure. Experience a large community alter, a decorative and floral entry archway, and a celebration that culminates in a festive procession.
The celebration will also feature food, activities, dance, music, life-size papier-mâché Catrina and Catrin figures, faceprinting, and a mercado (shopping experience).
1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix
