21st annual Celebraciones de la Gente honors vibrant tradition Oct. 26-27 at Museum of Northern Arizona

FLAGSTAFF — The 21st Annual Celebraciones de la Gente (Celebrations of the People) takes place Oct. 26 and 27 at the Museum of Northern Arizona. Held in partnership with Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, the community event honors a vibrant tradition with a weekend of remembrances, joy and cultural immersion.

In the spirit of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), Celebraciones invites people to experience the magic of colorful ofrendas (altars), unique tributes to loved ones passed, in the museum’s Jaime Major Golightly Courtyard. As the sun sets on Saturday, the courtyard transforms into a candlelit scene for Courtyard After Dark. Visitors can take in glowing ofrendas under the night sky while enjoying Mexican sweets and hot chocolate.

Celebraciones cultural performances include the powerful sounds of Mariachi Rubor, a celebrated all-female ensemble, and the festive movements of Ballet Folklorico de Colores of Flagstaff. Children and families can participate in hands-on activities such as decorating sugar skulls and face painting. Arts and crafts vendors will feature art, handmade goods and cultural treasures.

Explore the popularization of the Day of the Dead with Jose G. Moreno, Ph.D., director of ethnic studies at Northern Arizona University. He will speak both days at 11 a.m. in the museum’s Branigar/Chase Discovery Center. The festival also welcomes Tamales USA, Baja Mar Seafood, and Elotero, each serving up traditional Mexican dishes for an authentic culinary experience.

Margurita Cruz will lead calavera literaria (literary skull) writing workshops. These satirical verses composed for the Day of the Dead poke lighthearted fun at friends, colleagues, relatives, and celebrities. The calavera literaria activity is held in collaboration with the Northern Arizona Book Festival.

Celebraciones de la Gente ticket prices range from $5 to $20. A ticket includes entrance to the museum, is valid for the entire weekend, and can be purchased in advance or at the door. Children ages 9 and under are free. Preregistration and a small fee are required for the sugar skull making workshops.

Find ticket, workshop registration and other event details at https://musnaz.org/all-upcoming- events/celebraciones/

About the Museum of Northern Arizona — Nestled in a forested landscape, the Museum of Northern Arizona sits at the base of the San Francisco Peaks on the road to the Grand Canyon. For nearly 100 years, the museum has been a gateway to understanding the Colorado Plateau by engaging visitors with life-enriching knowledge and experiences centered on culture, art, and science. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more at https://musnaz.org/