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Courtesy of Visit Longmont

6 Ways to Celebrate Day of the Dead

Explore the cultural traditions of Día de los Muertos at these Denver-area celebrations.

Day of the Dead Celebration

November 2, 2-11 p.m.

Be part of an event that makes multiple stops starting in Downtown Longmont and ending at the Dickens Opera House. Enjoy a Family Fiesta with music, food, and arts and crafts, followed by a Gigantes Procession of giant puppets and the Catrina Ball, for drinks, food, and an exhibition of alters. Reservations are required for the Ball. Free for Family Fiesta and Gigantes Procession. $15 GA for Catrina Ball. Dickens Opera House, 300 Main St., Longmont.

Day of the Dead Exhibit

October 11-November 4, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Honor and celebrate deceased loved ones with community, food, family, and fun. Free. Longmont Museum, 400 Quail Rd., Longmont. 

Día de los Muertos

November 2, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Celebrate with screenings of Disney’s Pixar film Coco, community altars of remembrance, face painting, Mexican folk dancing, and kids’ crafts. Shop original, Colorado-made Día de los Muertos art pieces, and see live animal interactions from the Denver Zoo. A free shuttle will run continuously from East High School. Included with admission, free age 15 and under. All shuttle riders receive one free Gardens admission pass. Denver Botanic Gardens York Street, 1007 York St., Denver.

Día de los Muertos Annual Celebration

November 1, 5-9 p.m.

Enter a Catrina costume contest for a chance to win prizes, enjoy pan de muerto, hot chocolate, the procession, sugar skull decorating, and face painting. Free admission. Small fee for some activities. Museo de las Americas, 861 Santa Fe Dr., Denver.

Día de los Muertos Art & Street Party

November 1, 6-9 p.m.

Watch Aztec dancers in traditional costume and see fire artists spinning fire. There will be piñatas, Día de los Muertos face painting, live music, and create-and-take art stations. Free. 40 West Arts District, 1560 Teller St., Lakewood.

Family Make and Take: Día de los Muertos

October 11 and 18, 6-7:30 p.m.

Explore the cultural traditions of Día de los Muertos while creating a Día de los Muertos-themed miniature nicho planter decorated with traditional representations of the holiday. Nichos are small, hand-made three-dimensional display boxes used to display lovingly crafted scenarios and are often used as a remembrance to an important figure or loved one. Families are encouraged to bring photos of loved ones to include in their nicho. Materials provided are appropriate for children ages 5 and up. $12-$15. Denver Botanic Gardens York Street, 1007 York St., Denver.


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