How to Celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Phoenix

Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a deeply meaningful cultural celebration rooted in Mesoamerican traditions and brought to life today through the vibrant heritage of Mexico and Latinx communities across the United States. While it is often misunderstood as a Mexican version of Halloween, Dia de los Muertos is a joyful, reverent, and colorful tribute to ancestors — a time when families welcome back the spirits of loved ones with altars, offerings, music, and art. In Phoenix, Arizona, this tradition has flourished over decades, shaped by the city’s large and active Latinx population, local artists, educators, and community organizations. Celebrating Dia de los Muertos in Phoenix is not just about observing a holiday — it’s about honoring cultural identity, fostering intergenerational connection, and participating in a living, evolving tradition that bridges the past and present.

Phoenix offers one of the most authentic and accessible experiences for celebrating Dia de los Muertos outside of Mexico. From public altars in downtown parks to community processions, art exhibits, and educational workshops, the city provides countless opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with the holiday in meaningful ways. Whether you are of Latinx heritage seeking to reconnect with your roots, an educator looking to incorporate cultural literacy into your curriculum, or simply someone drawn to the beauty of ritual and remembrance, Phoenix welcomes you to participate respectfully and authentically.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to celebrating Dia de los Muertos in Phoenix — blending cultural accuracy with practical advice. You’ll learn how to build an ofrenda, where to attend public events, how to support local artists, and how to honor the spirit of the holiday without appropriating its traditions. By the end of this guide, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Phoenix with depth, dignity, and joy.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Meaning Behind the Celebration

Before you begin planning your celebration, take time to learn the cultural and spiritual significance of Dia de los Muertos. The holiday originates from indigenous Aztec rituals honoring Mictecacihuatl, the Lady of the Dead, and was later syncretized with Catholic All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days during Spanish colonization. Today, it is observed on November 1st (Día de los Inocentes, honoring deceased children) and November 2nd (Día de los Muertos, honoring deceased adults).

The core belief is that death is not an end, but a continuation of life in another form. Families believe that the souls of the departed return to the world of the living during this time, guided by marigold petals and the scent of copal incense. The celebration is not mournful — it is a reunion filled with laughter, music, food, and storytelling. Understanding this philosophy will ground your participation in respect, not performance.

Step 2: Create an Ofrenda (Altar) at Home or in a Community Space

The ofrenda is the heart of Dia de los Muertos. It is a personal altar built to welcome and honor deceased loved ones. In Phoenix, many families create ofrendas in their homes, while community centers, libraries, and museums host public altars where residents can contribute photos and mementos.

To build your own ofrenda, follow these essential elements:

• Photos: Place portraits of the deceased at the center. These should be clear, cherished images — not casual snapshots.
• Marigolds (Cempasúchil): These bright orange flowers are believed to guide spirits with their vivid color and strong scent. Use fresh petals to create paths from the street to your altar.
• Candles: Light white or colored candles to represent the element of fire and to illuminate the spirits’ path. Use tea lights or pillar candles in safe holders.
• Incense (Copal): Burn copal resin, a sacred tree sap used since pre-Columbian times, to purify the space and carry prayers upward.
• Food and Drink: Offer the favorite foods and beverages of the departed — tamales, pan de muerto, mole, fruit, chocolate, or even a favorite soda. Include a glass of water to quench their thirst after the journey.
• Personal Items: Include objects that reflect their life — a favorite book, musical instrument, hat, or toy. These make the altar deeply personal.
• Papel Picado: Hang delicate, hand-cut tissue paper banners above the altar. These represent the fragility of life and the wind carrying messages to the spirit world.
• Salt: Place a small dish of salt to purify the soul and prevent corruption during the spirit’s journey.

In Phoenix, you can find supplies at local Mexican grocery stores like El Charro, La Michoacana, or Mercado San Agustin. Many community organizations also host ofrenda-building workshops in late October. Check with the Phoenix Art Museum, the Heard Museum, or local libraries for free classes.

Step 3: Attend Public Dia de los Muertos Events in Phoenix

Phoenix hosts one of the largest and most vibrant Dia de los Muertos celebrations in the Southwest. Here are the top public events to attend:

Phoenix Art Museum – Dia de los Muertos Festival

Each year, the Phoenix Art Museum transforms its courtyard into a living altar space. The festival features dozens of community ofrendas, live music from mariachi and folklorico groups, traditional dance performances, face painting, artisan markets, and food trucks serving tamales, churros, and atole. The event is free and open to all. It typically runs from November 1–2 and draws over 10,000 attendees.

La Alma Libre – Community Ofrenda and Procession

Hosted by the nonprofit La Alma Libre in the Roosevelt Row Arts District, this event is deeply rooted in activism and cultural preservation. The procession begins at dusk on November 1st, with participants carrying candles and photos through the streets, stopping at community memorials to honor those lost to violence, poverty, or systemic injustice. The event ends with a communal ofrenda and storytelling circle.

Heard Museum – Cultural Exhibits and Workshops

The Heard Museum, known for its focus on Native and Latinx cultures, hosts educational exhibits on the history of Dia de los Muertos, including artifacts from Oaxaca and Michoacán. They offer family-friendly workshops on papel picado cutting, sugar skull decorating, and traditional costume making. These events are ideal for educators and parents looking to teach children about cultural heritage.

Phoenix Public Library – Dia de los Muertos Story Hours

Branches across Phoenix, especially in neighborhoods with high Latinx populations like Maryvale and South Phoenix, host story hours for children featuring bilingual books like “The Day of the Dead / El Día de los Muertos” by Bob Barner and “Julia’s House for Lost Creatures” by Ben Hatke. These events often include craft stations and community altars where children can place drawings of loved ones.

Step 4: Support Local Latinx Artists and Vendors

Dia de los Muertos is not just a holiday — it’s an economic and cultural engine for Phoenix’s Latinx artists. Support them by purchasing handmade items directly from local creators.

Look for artisans at:

• Mercado San Agustin: A bustling indoor market featuring local food vendors, ceramicists, and papel picado makers. Many artists sell hand-painted sugar skulls and miniature ofrendas.
• Phoenix Public Market (Saturday mornings): Vendors often feature Dia de los Muertos-themed goods in late October, including hand-sewn costumes, embroidered textiles, and carved wooden alebrijes (spirit animals).
• El Charro Gallery and Art Studio: A community hub in South Phoenix offering art classes in traditional Mexican folk art, including retablos (religious paintings) and clay figurines.

When purchasing, ask about the artist’s background. Many are descendants of Mexican communities and create work rooted in family tradition. Avoid mass-produced items from big-box stores — they often strip the cultural meaning from the symbols.

Step 5: Prepare and Share Traditional Foods

Food is a sacred offering in Dia de los Muertos. Preparing and sharing traditional dishes connects you to generations of ancestors. In Phoenix, you’ll find authentic recipes passed down through families — many of which are taught in community cooking classes.

Essential dishes to prepare:

• Pan de Muerto: A sweet, orange-flavored bread topped with bone-shaped dough and sugar. Many bakeries in Phoenix, like Panadería La Esperanza and El Milagro, sell freshly baked versions. For authenticity, try making it at home using recipes from Mexican grandmothers — the key is the anise seed and orange zest.
• Tamales: Steamed corn dough filled with meats, cheeses, or chiles, wrapped in corn husks. Tamales are labor-intensive, so many families host tamaladas — communal gatherings where multiple generations come together to make dozens at once.
• Mole: A rich, complex sauce made with chiles, chocolate, nuts, and spices, served over chicken or turkey. Mole is often reserved for special occasions and is a centerpiece of family altars.
• Atole: A warm, thick drink made from masa, cinnamon, and piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar). Serve it in clay mugs for an authentic experience.

Share your food with neighbors, friends, or community centers. Offering food to others during Dia de los Muertos extends the spirit of generosity and remembrance beyond your family.

Step 6: Wear Traditional Attire with Respect

Many participants in Phoenix wear traditional clothing during celebrations. Women may don colorful embroidered dresses (huipiles) or long skirts with floral patterns, while men may wear charro suits or white shirts with sombreros. Face painting — particularly the iconic skull design — is common.

Important note: While skull makeup is widely popularized in media, it is not merely a costume. In Mexican tradition, the calavera (skull) represents the inevitability of death and the equality of all people in the face of it. When wearing face paint, do so with intention. Learn the symbolism — some designs include flowers for life, hearts for love, and tears for grief. Avoid cartoonish or Halloween-style designs. Many Phoenix artists offer free face-painting workshops during events that teach culturally accurate patterns.

Step 7: Participate in Storytelling and Memory Sharing

One of the most powerful ways to celebrate Dia de los Muertos is to speak the names of those who have passed. Gather family or friends around the ofrenda and share stories. Tell jokes, recall favorite sayings, describe their laughter, or recount the first time you tasted their cooking.

In Phoenix, many community centers host “Memory Circles” during Dia de los Muertos. These are quiet, respectful gatherings where people take turns speaking. No one is pressured to speak — silence is honored too. You can start your own circle at home with candles and a photo album.

Consider recording these stories. Audio or video interviews with elders can become family heirlooms, preserving voices and memories for future generations.

Step 8: Educate Others and Spread Cultural Awareness

Dia de los Muertos is often misrepresented in mainstream culture. Use your celebration as an opportunity to educate. Share accurate information with coworkers, classmates, or neighbors. Post on social media about the origins of the holiday, tag local Phoenix events, or invite friends to join you at a community ofrenda.

Local schools in Phoenix often welcome guest speakers. If you’re a parent, teacher, or community member, offer to lead a short presentation on the history and meaning of the holiday. Resources like the Arizona Historical Society and the University of Arizona’s Latinx Studies program offer free educational kits.

Best Practices

Practice Cultural Respect, Not Appropriation

Dia de los Muertos is not a costume party. Avoid using the holiday as a backdrop for themed parties, “Mexican” Halloween events, or commercialized “Dia de los Muertos” merchandise that reduces sacred symbols to trendy patterns. Respect the spiritual depth of the tradition by learning its roots and honoring its practitioners.

Use Authentic Symbols

Not all Mexican symbols are interchangeable. Alebrijes are from Oaxaca, while sugar skulls are common in central Mexico. Papel picado styles vary by region. When incorporating elements into your ofrenda, research their origin and meaning. If unsure, ask a local Latinx community member or attend a cultural workshop.

Support, Don’t Commercialize

When attending events, prioritize vendors and artists who are part of the community. Avoid buying mass-produced decorations from online retailers that profit from cultural symbols without giving back. In Phoenix, many organizations donate proceeds from Dia de los Muertos events to local Latinx youth programs or food banks — choose to support those initiatives.

Be Mindful of Grief

Dia de los Muertos is not a “happy” holiday in the Western sense — it is a celebration that acknowledges pain, loss, and memory. Some participants may be grieving deeply. Be sensitive. Offer space, not pressure. If someone shares a personal story, listen without interrupting. A simple “Thank you for sharing” is enough.

Participate in Community, Not Just Spectacle

While public festivals are beautiful, the true heart of Dia de los Muertos lies in intimate, familial rituals. Don’t treat the holiday as a photo opportunity. Engage with the offerings, sit quietly by an altar, light a candle for someone you’ve lost, or help build an ofrenda with your hands. Presence matters more than performance.

Teach Children with Care

Children are often the most open to the spiritual aspects of the holiday. Use age-appropriate books, crafts, and stories to explain death as a natural part of life. Avoid frightening imagery. Focus on love, memory, and connection. Encourage them to draw pictures of their ancestors or write letters to them — these become cherished keepsakes.

Tools and Resources

Books for Learning and Teaching

• “The Day of the Dead: A Cultural History” by Janice M. Gómez – A scholarly yet accessible overview of the holiday’s evolution from ancient roots to modern practice.
• “Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead” by Roseanne Greenfield Thong – A beautifully illustrated bilingual children’s book perfect for families.
• “Ofrendas: The Art of Remembering” by Maria de la Luz Cisneros – A collection of photographs and stories from families across Mexico and the U.S. who create ofrendas.

Online Resources

• Phoenix Art Museum – Dia de los Muertos Page – phxart.org/dia-de-los-muertos – Event schedules, virtual tours, and educational materials.
• Heard Museum – Cultural Resources – heard.org/education/dia-de-los-muertos – Free downloadable lesson plans for teachers.
• Library of Congress – Mexican Traditions Archive – loc.gov/collections/mexican-traditions/ – Historical photographs and oral histories of Dia de los Muertos celebrations.

Local Organizations to Connect With

• La Alma Libre – Community-led cultural preservation group. Offers volunteer opportunities and ofrenda-building workshops. Website: laalimalibre.org
• Phoenix Latinx Arts Alliance – A coalition of artists and cultural workers. Hosts annual Dia de los Muertos exhibitions. Website: phxlatinxarts.org
• Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center – Offers art classes, community storytelling events, and cultural mentorship. Location: South Phoenix. Website: alacaz.org

Supplies to Purchase Locally in Phoenix

• Marigolds: El Charro Supermarket (multiple locations), Mercado San Agustin
• Papel Picado: La Michoacana Market, Phoenix Public Market vendors
• Copal Incense: Healing Arts Center (Downtown Phoenix), online from local artisans on Etsy (search “Phoenix-made copal”)
• Sugar Skulls: Artisan stalls at Mercado San Agustin or Phoenix Art Museum festival
• Traditional Bread (Pan de Muerto): Panadería La Esperanza (South Phoenix), El Milagro Bakery (West Phoenix)

Real Examples

Example 1: The Martinez Family – A Home Ofrenda in Maryvale

In 2023, the Martinez family created a three-tiered ofrenda in their living room to honor their grandmother, Rosa, who passed away in 2020. They included her favorite pan dulce, a porcelain doll she gave to each grandchild, and a photo of her holding her first great-grandchild. They placed marigold petals along the hallway leading to the altar and burned copal every evening from October 28 to November 2. Each night, one family member shared a memory. Their 7-year-old daughter drew a picture of Abuela dancing with angels — it now hangs above the altar. The family says the ritual helped them heal and feel closer to Rosa than ever before.

Example 2: The Phoenix High School Cultural Club

A group of students at Phoenix Union High School created a public ofrenda in the school’s library to honor classmates and community members lost to gun violence. They included handwritten letters, candles, and photos of victims, many of whom were Latinx teens. Teachers integrated the altar into their social studies curriculum, asking students to write essays on what remembrance means in their communities. The project sparked a district-wide initiative to include Dia de los Muertos in the annual cultural calendar.

Example 3: The Artist Collective – “Calaveras of the Desert”

Five local Latinx artists in Phoenix collaborated to create “Calaveras of the Desert,” a public art installation featuring 50 hand-painted sugar skulls, each representing a person lost to ICE detention, deportation, or poverty. The installation was displayed at the Phoenix Central Library and later traveled to Tucson and Flagstaff. Each skull included a QR code linking to a short audio story told by a family member. The project received national recognition for blending art, activism, and memory.

Example 4: The Church Group – Sacred Space for Remembrance

A Catholic parish in Glendale, Arizona, began hosting a Dia de los Muertos vigil in 2019, blending Catholic prayers with indigenous traditions. They light candles for the deceased, recite the rosary, and invite parishioners to place names on a large cloth altar. The priest, who grew up in Michoacán, leads the service in Spanish and English. Attendance has grown each year, with non-Latinx families now participating. The church now partners with local schools to teach students about the holiday’s spiritual roots.

FAQs

Is Dia de los Muertos the same as Halloween?

No. While both occur around the same time, Dia de los Muertos is a sacred, multi-day celebration of remembrance and reunion with ancestors. Halloween has roots in Celtic festivals and is largely commercialized as a night of costumes and candy. Dia de los Muertos is about honoring the dead with love, not fear.

Can non-Latinx people celebrate Dia de los Muertos?

Yes — but with deep respect and education. If you are not of Latinx heritage, approach the holiday as a guest, not a participant in ownership. Learn the traditions, support Latinx artists, and avoid using symbols as costumes or decor without understanding their meaning.

Where can I buy authentic ofrenda supplies in Phoenix?

Local Mexican markets like El Charro, Mercado San Agustin, and La Michoacana carry fresh marigolds, copal, papel picado, and traditional bread. Artisans at community festivals also sell handmade items. Avoid big-box stores — their products are often mass-produced and culturally inaccurate.

Do I need to speak Spanish to celebrate?

No. While many rituals are conducted in Spanish, the essence of Dia de los Muertos — love, memory, and connection — transcends language. Many events in Phoenix are bilingual, and you can participate fully by observing, listening, and sharing your own memories.

How long should I keep my ofrenda up?

Traditionally, ofrendas are set up on October 28 and taken down on November 3. Some families leave them up longer if they feel the spirits are still present. There is no strict rule — follow your intuition and family tradition.

Can I include non-Latinx loved ones in my ofrenda?

Yes. Dia de los Muertos is about honoring those you love, regardless of ethnicity. Many families in Phoenix include grandparents, friends, or even pets on their altars. The tradition is rooted in love, not lineage.

Is it appropriate to take photos of public ofrendas?

It is acceptable to photograph public displays, but always ask before photographing personal ofrendas or people in mourning. Be respectful. Avoid using photos for commercial purposes without permission. Remember: this is not a backdrop — it is sacred space.

How can I involve my children in Dia de los Muertos?

Make it tactile and emotional. Let them draw pictures of loved ones, help decorate sugar skulls, plant marigolds, or write letters to the departed. Read bilingual books together. Attend family-friendly events at the Heard Museum or Phoenix Public Library. The goal is to teach them that death is part of life — and love endures beyond it.

Conclusion

Celebrating Dia de los Muertos in Phoenix is more than a seasonal tradition — it is an act of cultural continuity, community healing, and spiritual resilience. In a city that has long been a crossroads of cultures, the holiday has found fertile ground to grow, adapt, and inspire. Whether you build a quiet altar in your home, join a candlelit procession through Roosevelt Row, or share stories over a plate of tamales, you become part of a living legacy that honors the dead by celebrating life.

This guide has offered you practical steps, ethical guidelines, and real examples to help you participate with authenticity and reverence. But the most important tool you carry is not a marigold, a candle, or a sugar skull — it is your willingness to listen, remember, and love.

As the people of Mexico say: “No están muertos, están en nuestro corazón.” They are not dead — they are in our hearts.

So this November, light a candle. Speak a name. Share a story. And in doing so, you will not just celebrate Dia de los Muertos — you will keep it alive.