Final touches made for opening of the 16th annual Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona

Photos by Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ.com ©2019

FLAGSTAFF — Friday morning was a whirlwind of activity at the Museum of Northern Arizona as community groups and museum staff made the final preparations for the 16th annual Celebraciones de la Gente.

Papel picado banners were hung across the courtyard by student volunteers from Northern Arizona University, museum staff members set up tables and canopies, and members of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces placed photos of departed loved ones on altars for the annual Day of the Dead celebration.

The event begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 when the doors swing open at the museum for a full day of sugar skull making, folklorico dance and mariachi musical performances and family oral history lessons at the nearly two dozen altars spread across the courtyard.

See schedule below:

Saturday

• 10:00 am- 10:30 Decorating Sugar Skulls on the Patio
• 10:45-11:15 am Ballet Folklorico performance on the Mainstage
• 11:30-12:00 pm Mariachi Sol Azteca performance on the Mainstage
• 12:10-12:30 pm Comparza Texalpan
• 1:15-1:45 pm Ballet Folklorico performance on the Mainstage
• 2:00-2:30 pm Ofrenda tour in the Courtyard with Nuestras Raices
• 2:45-3:15 pm Dance performance
• 3:30-4:00 pm Mariachi Sol Azteca performance on the Mainstage
• 4:00-4:20 pm Comparza Texalpan
• 4:30-5:00 pm Ofrendas 101
• 5:00-8:00 pm Courtyard After Dark

Courtyard After Dark Saturday, October 26, 5-8 pm
Enjoy an evening viewing of the community ofrendas (altars) against a backdrop of candlelight and strolling mariachi music. Mexican hot chocolate and pan dulce (sweet bread) available for purchase. Dress warm!
Courtyard After Dark Admission: Included with festival admission or $6 per person. Children under 10 free.

Sunday

• 10:00 am- 10:30 Decorating Sugar Skulls on the Patio
• 10:45-11:15 am Ballet Folklorico performance on the Mainstage
• 11:00-11:30 am Mariachi Marisol performance in the Courtyard
• 11:45-12:15 pm Mariachi Sol Azteca performance on the Mainstage
• 12:30-1:00 pm Lecture with Amanda Blanco
• 1:00-2:00 pm Cumeres Performance in the Courtyard
• 1:15-1:45 pm Ballet Folklorico performance on the Mainstage
• 2:00-2:30 History of Families with Nuestras Raices
• 2:45-3:15 Dance Performance
• 3:30-4:00 pm Puebloan Day of the Dead with Ed Kabote
• 4:15-4:45 pm Mariachi Sol Azteca performance on the Mainstage
• 4:45-5:00 pm Closing Processional

Heritage Insights presentations

Ofrendas 101 with Delia Ceballos Muñoz

A centuries-old tradition,  ofrendas are an integral aspect of Day of the Dead. In this interactive discussion, Muñoz will discuss the origins of these ritual alters, the symbolism behind them, and demonstrate the process of building a refuge for the tired souls of lost loved ones.

Puebloan Day of the Dead with Ed Kabotie

Artist-in-resident Ed Kabotie will explore the cultural commonalities between the Puebloan and Latin@ celebration of Day of the Dead. In this ‘edutainment’ style presentation, a fusion of music and the spoken word of his own design, Kabotie will foster understanding for the shared traditions of southwestern Pueblo Tribes and Latin@ peoples.

History of Families with Nuestras Raices

NuestrasRaíces, Flagstaff’s organization dedicated to promoting Hispanic culture and history, will present the history of families and the significance of family structure.

Participating Artists & Organizations

alphabetical by last name

• Lucia Cartes, Jewelry / Fashion (GG)
• Melany Colamarino, Sculpture (BG)
• Irene Dominguez, Pottery (BG)
• Denise Pacheco, Fine Art / Pottery (GG)
• Rick Pacheco, Fine Art / Pottery (GG)
• Jess Rick Rodriguez, Fine Art (GG)

Location key:

GG= Geology Gallery

JMG=Jamie Major Golightly Courtyard

BG= Babbitt Gallery

Visit http://musnaz.org/heritage/celebraciones/ for more information