23nd Annual Celebraciones de la Gente
October 24 & 25, 2026
Experience the vibrant traditions of Mexican Heritage at the 23rd Annual Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona! Join us for a weekend filled with color, culture, and celebration. Presented in partnership with Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, Celebraciones honors the spirit of Día de los Muertos with heartfelt remembrances and joyful festivities.
Enjoy cultural dances and music as you explore the brightly adorned ofrendas in the Jaime Major Golightly Courtyard, each a stunning display of love and memory. Discover unique arts and crafts and deepen your understanding through cultural presentations. Mariachis and Ballet Folklorico de Colores of Flagstaff bring distinctive sounds and movement to the celebration. Children will delight in the creativity of sugar skull decorating and face painting. Food vendors will be on site selling authentic Mexican dishes for attendees to enjoy.
As the sun sets on Saturday, the courtyard transforms into a magical scene for Courtyard After Dark. Witness the glowing ofrendas under the night sky, indulge in traditional Mexican sweets and beverages, and soak in the rich atmosphere.
Courtyard After Dark
About Our Yearly Celebration
Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead is an ancient holiday. It may have originated with the Olmecs, the first major Pre-Columbian civilization in the tropical lowlands of south-central Mexico. This celebration was continued by other cultures such as the Toltecs, Mayans, Zapotecs, and Aztecs.
During the celebration, memories of ancestors are celebrated and the souls of the departed return to visit the living. The Museum’s historic courtyard is lined with ofrendas, each one telling the story of a Flagstaff Hispanic pioneer family. Papel picado banners and sacred copal incense herald the celebration. Golden marigold flowers symbolize the brevity of life and lend a scented pathway to returning spirits. Candles are lit for each family member who has passed on. Calaveras (sugar skulls) sweeten the tongue and mock death with their whimsy. And sweet pan de muerto (bread of the dead) honors those who have passed in this life.
Each year, Flagstaff Nuestras Raices creates a community ofrenda and invites visitors to bring photos and mementos of their loved ones to contribute to this special place of memory and reverence. Nuestras Raices will also give a presentation about Dia de los Muertos traditions and the preparations of ofrendas.