Families remember deceased loved ones and honor them by building offering altars (ofrendas) where sugar skulls are placed, along with offerings of pan de muertos. The holiday is festive although the subject may not be, as spirits are welcomed back into peoples' lives for another year.
The Marigold Parade and Festival takes place in Albuquerque's South Valley on Sunday, November 6.
Events
Dia de los Muertos Weekend
The event features tattoo artists and vendors, a Miss Rock the Ink beauty pageant, DJs, daily tattoo contests, and more. There will be a Dia De Los Muertos costume contest on Saturday the 15; contest entry is free.
When: October 14 - 16, 1 p.m. - 11 p.m. 10/14, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. 10/15; 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. 10/16
Where: Expo New Mexico, Manuel Lujan complex
Cost: $10 10/14; $20 10/15; $10 10/16; $30 for three day pass.
Community Offrenda
Join artist Jade Leyva for a Day of the Dead celebration and creation of a community ofrenda. Celebrate your loved ones by bringing pictures and objects for the altar. On the evening of November 1, there will be offerings and a special feast. On November 2, spend time with the artists at the gallery and pick up your offerings and pictures. For more information, contact Sarah at (505) 898-1180. On the evening of November 1
When: October 15 - November 2
Where: Gathering of Artists Gallery, 1000 Old Church Road, Corrales
Cost: Free.
A Room of Her Own: My Mother's Altar
Author Sandra Cisneros created an altar to honor her mother in the tradition of Dia de Muertos ofrendas. See the altar and then hear readings by the author.
When: October 15, 6 p.m. Ofrenda viewing in Art Museum; 6:45 p.m. presentation in Bank of America Theatre
Where: National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 Fourth SW
Cost: Free; ticketed event; tickets available one hour prior to event.
Old Town Fall Festival
Enjoy hay rides around the plaza, pumpkin painting, balloon animals, face painting and arts and crafts at this family event. Candy shops will sell monster popcorn hands and caramel apples while Old Town restaurants will have apple cider and fall menu items. See chile ristra making demonstrations and hear live music. The costume contest will be for both humans and their dog companions. Many dress in traditional calavera costume for this event.
When: Saturday, October 29
Where: Old Town Plaza
Cost: Free admission, some activities $1, to fund San Felipe de Neri church restoration.
Dia de los Muertos
South Broadway celebrates the tradition of the Day of the Dead with altars, an art market, and live entertainment. The community celebration features family activities and musical acts that include Los Primos and Mariachi San Jose.
When: Noon - 5 p.m., Sunday, October 30
Where: South Broadway Cultural Center, 1025 Broadway SE
Cost: Free.
Despedida: Día de los Muertos Community Gathering
Honor family and friends by participating in the community ofrenda. The evening includes a blessing, live music and poetry.
When: 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m., Wednesday, November 2
Where: National Hispanic Cultural Center Dominici Education Center
Cost: Free.
Dia de los Muertos Marigold Parade
The annual south valley parade presents music, altars, food and art vendors. Come out in your best calavera attire. See images of the event.
When: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, November 6
Where: Parade starts at Centro Familiar and Isleta, ends at the Westside Community Center, 1250 Isleta SW.
Cost: Free.
Exhibitions
James Holbrook Day of the Dead Photos
See Day of the Dead photos by Holbrook and art by Jade Leyva. Opening reception noon - 6 p.m. Saturday, October 15.
When: October 15 - November 1
Where: Gathering of Artists Gallery, 1000 Old Church Road, Corrales
Cost: Free.
Dia de Muertos Ofrenda Installation
Every year, the National Hispanic Cultural Center invites the public to create their own ofrendas to honor loved ones who have passed away. The beautiful installation changes each year.
For 2010, artist Jacobo de la Serna created an ofrenda in remembrance of bicyclists who have lost their lives on New Mexico's roads.
When: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily; Monday, October 18 to Wednesday, November 3.
Where: National Hispanic Cultural Center, Domenici Education Center.
Cost: Free.
Annual Day of the Dead Show
Find Day of the Dead folk art at this unique Santa Fe style gallery (without the prices).
When: Exhibit runs October 28 - November 6 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily; Open House October 30 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., with a costume contest.
Where: Tome Gallery, Highway 47 in Tome (south of Los Lunas)
Cost: Free
Workshops
Make paper marigolds and Papel Picado.
Learn to make a Dia de los Muertos t-shirt.
Create a Day of the Dead image on a stamp and print it for posters and cards.
Create masks, props and design parade floats.
Make sugar skills and learn face painting techniques.
Learn how to construct an altar and other Dia de los Muertos traditions.
Learn to make paper marigolds. Bring your puppets, props and floats to get them ready for the Marigold parade.
When: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. on above dates.
Where: El Jardin Studios, 803 La Vega SW
Cost: Free.
Día de Muertos Ofrenda Workshop
Find out how to make an offering/altar that honors loved ones, like the ofrendas seen during Day of the Dead celebrations. Families and individuals can participate in this hands-on workshop that shows how to create these special altars. Bring your own materials or use the provided supplies, or both. Call (505) 246-2261, ext.189 for more information.
When: Tuesday, November 1, 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: National Hispanic Cultural Center Education Center
Cost: $5 adults, $1 children under 16.
