Photos by Frank X. Moraga / www.AmigosNAZ.com ©2023. Please see slideshow below of the setting up day on Friday, Oct. 20 and day one of the celebration on Oct. 21.
FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces this week offered a big THANK YOU to everyone who supported and attended the 20th anniversary annual Celebraciones de la Gente — Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead festival at the Museum of Northern Arizona on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 21 and 22.
This year’s event featured the return of the ever-popular InTlanextli Tlacopan Aztec Fire Dancers and Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff performing on both days of the festival in the Branigar/Chase Discovery Center, along with daily performances in the historic Jaime Golightly Courtyard by El Charro Bohemia.
The 2023 Celebraciones de la Gente was supported in part by the Arizona Commission on the Arts which receives support from the State of Arizona and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional Premier Sponsors include Coconino County District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez and the Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) and APS. Celebraciones presented in partnership with the Museum of Northern Arizona.
The event celebrated the history and culture of Mexican, Mexican American and Latin@ communities in Northern Arizona at this annual fall event, which will include music, dance, food and heartfelt remembrances.
Members of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces gathered at the museum on Friday morning to decorate the courtyard with the great assistance of students from the Coconino Community College ALAS club.
This year, the event featured five sold-out Sugar Skull-decorating workshops, including one for students traveling from Kingman. Nuestras Raices made the sugar skulls and provided frosting and decorations with supporters from Northern Arizona University helping to lead the workshops.
Following the Sugar Skull-decorating and Ofrenda 101, regional Mexican music workshops, the folklorico and Aztec fire dance performances, visitors had a chance to visit the museum’s Jaime Golightly Courtyard which was transformed into a beautiful lit setting, with intricately cut papel picado (pierced paper) and lovely arranged ofrendas (altars) to welcome past loved ones to the party.
On Saturday evening, the courtyard stayed open into the night, as the full impact of the candlelit ofrendas can be enjoyed, along with Mexican treats and soulful strolling Mariachis. Activities were repeated again on Sunday followed by the always moving closing ceremony and blessing of the ofrendas / altars by the Aztec fire dancers.