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    6 Ways to Celebrate Día de los Muertos

    Celebrate Mexican traditions during Day of the Dead, October 31 to November 2, with these family-friendly events.

    Day of the Dead Exhibit

    Oct. 3-Nov. 4

    View art related to Day of the Dead in both the main and south galleries. Donations appreciated. Wed-Sun, noon-5pm. Firehouse Art Center, 667 4th Ave., Longmont. 303-651-2787. firehouseart.org

    Día de los Muertos Celebration

    Nov. 3, 9am-4pm

    Celebrate the Day of the Dead, a holiday with ancient roots combining Mexican indigenous customs and European traditions. It’s a lighthearted and joyful tribute to the memory of family and friends who have passed away. Families celebrate by creating ofrendas (offerings)—elaborate displays commemorating loved ones—decorating sugar skulls, and more. The event includes outdoor live art demonstrations and performances, face painting, and a mercado with local art, jewelry, apparel, and prints. Día de los Muertos costumes are encouraged. Denver Botanic Gardens York Street, Denver. botanicgardens.org

    Día de los Muertos Celebration

    Nov. 3, 11am-3pm

    Enjoy Colorado’s largest community celebration of the Day of the Dead, including music, dancing, sugar skull decorating, community altars, paper flower making, face painting, and Lady Catrina. Visitors are encouraged to come dressed in “calaca” (skeleton) apparel. Longmont Museum & Cultural Center. longmontcolorado.gov

    Family Workshop: Sugar Skulls

    Oct. 21, 10am and 2pm

    Explore the cultural traditions of Día de los Muertos. Learn how to make and decorate sugar skulls and discover the cultural significance of these important icons. Each person can make and take home two sugar skulls. Classes are designed for families with children ages 5-10. $17 child, $15 member child, $12 nonmember adult, $10 member adult. Denver Botanic Gardens York Street, Denver. botanicgardens.org

    Sacred Spaces: Nichos

    Opens Oct. 5

    See an exhibition that features small nichos, an important element of Día de los Muertos. These handmade tin boxes, constructed and decorated by Denver-area K-12 students, tell the stories of their cultural heritage and interests. Museo de las Americas, Denver. 303-571-4401. museo.org

    Winged Souls Exhibition

    Oct. 13-Nov. 4

    See the outdoor art exhibition celebrating Día de los Muertos by showcasing the symbolism of monarch butterflies and the iconic female figure known as La Catrina. Learn about this Mexican holiday through colorful and joyful large-scale sculptures created by Los Angeles-based artist Ricardo Soltero. Denver Botanic Gardens York Street, Denver. botanicgardens.org

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