Traditions migrate with people, so it should come as no surprise that Day of the Dead, the Mesoamerican holiday celebrating the lives of friends and family who are no longer alive, has made its way across borders. Día de los Muertos celebrations are alive and well in cities across the United States. Check out just a few of the places hosting events where you can celebrate this year.
San Francisco, California
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Bay Area revelers can start their celebration with a visit to SOMArts’ annual Day of the Dead exhibit featuring more than 70 artists and end their tribute by joining the Day of the Dead Ritual Procession on November 2, which operates under the motto “NUESTROS MUERTOS NO SE VENDEN – Our Dead Are Not For Sale.” That means the event accepts no city, state, federal or corporate funding.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
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This year’s theme for the “South Valley Día de los Muertos Celebration and Marigold Parade,” which also includes entertainment and art vendors on November 6, is “Sheep don’t vote, feed the chupacabra. Reclamado nuestra querencia.” Seems appropriate during this election cycle, no?
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
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Posted by Florida DAY of the DEAD on Thursday, October 13, 2016
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There’s a skeleton processional, an ofrenda exhibit and baile folklórico at the “Florida Day of the Dead” celebration on November 2.
Austin, Texas
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The Mexic-Arte Museum has been hosting an annual Día de los Muertos exhibit for over 30 years. That’s longer than some of y’all have been alive, just sayin’.
Santa Ana, California
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“Noche de Altares” in Santa Ana is presented by El Centro Cultural de Mexico on November 5 this year. People are invited to build an altar in honor of someone who has passed or to use their altar to bring awareness to social issues.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
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The “Living Arts Day of the Dead Arts Festival” on November 1 has all kinds of cosas scheduled, including children’s activities, a mural project, art exhibits, fire performers and an “Altared Spaces” display.
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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The Museum of Anthropology at Wake Forest University will hook you up free pass to their annual Day of the Dead exhibit. Tell me your super codo ancestors wouldn’t be proud of you for finding a way to celebrate without spending any money.
Riverside, Califorina
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Historical downtown Riverside gets down for Día de los Muertos with food, art, music, dance and glorious altars. This year, the party is on November 5.
Birmingham, Alabama
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On November 2, Bare Hands Gallery invites everyone to “dress in bones, as a sugar skull or for a fiesta!” There will be food, beer, crafts, altars and entertainment to be had.
Las Vegas, Nevada
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The “Life In Death Festival” put on by the Parks and Recreation department of Clark County is a two-day affair (November 1-2) with altars, entertainment, food and crafts.
Tucson, Arizona
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The “All Souls Procession Weekend” will bring together over 150,00 people for a two-mile long procession that culminates with the burning of a ceremonial urn filled with the “hopes, offerings and wishes” for those who have passed. Are you in? It’s happening the weekend of November 5-6.
Los Angeles, California
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The Olvera Street Day of the Dead festival is a nine day celebration that ends on November 2. There is a procession every night that includes a Mayan cleansing, a parade of “living muertos,” and Aztec dancers.
Don’t forget to share this with your living friends so they can celebrate their dearly departed.
