Here’s Where to Celebrate Día de Los Muertos in Scottsdale

By Michelle GlicksmanOctober 25, 2024

Courtesy City of Scottsdale

Looking to celebrate Día de los Muertos this weekend? The Day of the Dead holiday is officially Nov. 1 and 2 this year, though other days are sometimes included in the festivities. Here’s where to celebrate locally.

 

8th Annual Scottsdale Día de los Muertos Fiestas

This event, a partnership between the city of Scottsdale and Los Angeles-based cultural events specialty production company LORE Media & Arts, includes a variety of experiences.

  • Altares Y Ofrendas Experience

Thurs., Oct. 24-Sat., Nov. 2, 10 a.m. to 9 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.

 

  • Art Installation Experience

Thurs., Oct. 24-Sun., Oct. 27, 8  a.m. to 10 p.m.

Scottsdale Civic Center

Free admission

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

 

  • Procession Desfile de los Muertos 

Fri., Oct. 25, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Beginning at the Old Adobe Mission

Free admission

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.
You can also enjoy performances by Sister Cities-sponsored Estudiantina Musicians from Alamos, Mexico, and attendees dressed in traditional Day of the Dead
attire.

 

  • Fiesta de Muertos

Sat., Oct. 26, noon to 6 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

Sat., Oct. 26, 8 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. Be captivated by the rich traditions of Día 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.

 

The community ofrenda at Z’Tejas. Courtesy Z’Tejas

Community Ofrenda at Z’Tejas

Z’Tejas will feature a special community ofrenda (an elaborate altar that includes decorations, the departed’s favorite food and drinks, and pictures) on Wed., Oct. 30 at both its Scottsdale and Chandler locations. Diners will be able to add their own photos, mementos, and favorite dishes of passed loved ones, creating a unique opportunity to connect. There will also be live traditional Mexican music throughout the evening, as well as a special mole dish, paying tribute to the rich culinary heritage of Mexico.

 

Gennaro Garcia. Courtesy Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

Art, Dinner, and More at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North 

In honor of the vibrant Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North is hosting a unique cultural celebration. The resort will feature an exclusive art exhibition featuring renowned artist Gennaro Garcia, alongside an extraordinary dinner series at Talavera Restaurant curated by acclaimed chef Diego Hernandez and the resort’s Executive Chef Andrew Whiteside, Executive Pastry Chef Yudith Bustos, and Chef de Cuisine Emmanuel Urban. To elevate the experience, The Lost Explorer will create a one-of-a-kind mezcal speakeasy in Talavera’s Gin Room, offering guests an intimate, curated tasting experience.

  • Art Exhibition featuring Gennaro Garcia

Through Mon., Nov. 4
Free
Immerse yourself in the artistic vision of Gennaro Garcia, whose work is celebrated for its vibrant fusion of Mexican heritage with contemporary design. Gennaro is the official artist for the 200th anniversary of Uriarte Talavera and this will be his first time presenting his 2024 Talavera collection in Scottsdale. His Día de los Muertos exhibition will feature evocative pieces that honor life, death, and the enduring spirit of this sacred holiday. The exhibition will take place in the resort’s lobby from is open to the public. All works are available to purchase.

  • Talavera Dinner Series

Wed., Oct. 30 through Sat., Nov. 2, 5 to 9 p.m.
$140++ per person

      The resort’s Spanish Steakhouse, Talavera, hosts an exclusive dinner series from , featuring the culinary artistry of Chef Diego Hernandez, renowned for his work at
Mexico’s celebrated Corazón de Tierra, and the resort’s Executive Chef Andrew Whiteside, Executive Pastry Chef, Yudith Bustos, and Chef de Cuisine, Emmanuel
Urban. Together, they will craft a six-course menu inspired by traditional Mexican flavors and modern techniques, showcasing the richness and depth of the
country’s cuisine. In addition to the dinner, there will be a live demonstration from artist Gennaro Garcia. To make a reservation,  visit
https://bit.ly/DíadelosMuertosDinnerSeries or call 480.513.5085.

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