Photos by Frank X. Moraga and Star Hunter
FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces this week offered a big THANK YOU to everyone who supported and attended the 21th 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. 26 and 27.
Celebraciones cultural performances included Mariachi Rubor, a celebrated all-female ensemble, Ballet Folklorico de Colores of Flagstaff, local favorite Alena Chavez and NAU Banda Latino de Caribe. Children and families participated in hands-on activities such as decorating sugar skulls and face painting. Arts and crafts vendors featured art, handmade goods and cultural treasures.
Premier Sponsors for the event included Coconino County District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez and the Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC).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.
Also see:
- Arizona Daily Sun — Celebraciones de la Gente returns to the Museum of Northern Arizona for the 21st year
- Arizona Daily Sun — Gallery — 21st Annual Celebraciones de la Gente
- Discover Flagstaff — 21st annual Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona
- NAU Medium — Celebrating and Discovering at Celebraciones de la Gente
