11th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival

The 11th annual Día de los Muertos Festival, celebrating the art of life, faith, and remembrance, will be held at St. Mary’s Basilica in Downtown Phoenix. This family-friendly event is open to the public and free of charge, with a suggested donation of non-perishable food to benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank.

Attendees can enjoy a variety of activities:
-Community ofrenda (altar) to honor loved ones who are no longer with us. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-original photos of their loved ones to place on the altar. Free 5×7 paper photo frames will be provided.
-Live, cultural entertainment featuring Rhythm Edition, Mariachi Continental Azteca and Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli – AZ
-Artisan market featuring fine arts and imports from 30+ vendors including Elida’s Imports and Jimenez Gifts, among others
-More than a dozen local food trucks
-Free children’s activities and face painting
-Car show featuring custom cars on display and one will be selected “Best in Show”

Event schedule:
12:30 – 1 p.m. Community Procession with mariachis and St. Mary’s Aztec
dancers. After the procession, there will be a blessing of the ofrenda followed by a butterfly release and Taps by American Legion Post 41. The procession will exit the church, head east (on the sidewalk) to Third Street, turn north to Van Buren and then proceed through the “metal doors”/arch along Van Buren into the grassy area/fountains.
1 – 2 p.m. Mariachi Juvenil de Mí Tierra
2 – 3 p.m. Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli – AZ
3 – 5 p.m. Rhythm Edition