Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday celebrated between October 31 and November 2. During this time, loved ones welcome back deceased family members in celebration with food, music, drinking, and dancing. Boulder County is gearing up to host its own Day of the Dead celebrations, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store. Here’s everything we know about celebrating Día de Muertos this year.
Origins of the Modern Día de Muertos
Historians believe that this holiday dates back to pre-Columbian Mesoamerica and was celebrated by Aztec and other Nahua peoples. Because these cultures saw life as cyclical, death was an integral part of life. Each year, the living had the opportunity to reconnect, help, and celebrate people who were no longer living amongst them, but were still ever-present.
Many of the Día de Muertos celebrations we will experience in the United States are based on a blend of cultures and historic practices. In Medieval Spain, some people celebrated the Catholic festival of All Souls Day on November 2nd, while others participated in numerous Pagan autumnal festivals commemorating deceased community members.
Here are a few events we’re looking forward to:
Catrina Ball
When: 10/28, 7 – 10pm
Where: Firehouse Art Center
For an entire evening of traditional Día de Muertos activities, get your ticket to the Catrina Ball. La Calavera Catrina is an etching done by Mexican lithographer, José Guadelupe Posada, as a commentary on Mexican natives adopting European aristocratic traditions. Now, the image of “Catrina” has become an iconic emblem of this holiday. Get your face painted, sign up for the Catrina contest, and dance the night away.
Día de Muertos Celebration
When: 10/29, 10:30 – 2:00pm
Where: Lafayette Public Library
Join the Boulder County community for this family-friendly celebration of the Day of the Dead. Make your own sugar skull with Museo de Las Americas, then listen to music and stories by the Mariachi Alma del Folklore. Learn more about this beloved Mexican holiday with a full cultural immersion at the Lafayette Public Library.
Noche de Museo: Celebrating the Day of the Dead
When: 10/29, 7pm
Where: Longmont Museum and Cultural Center
Built by community members and local artists, this Day of the Dead exhibit and party returns for its 22nd year. Visit the Stewart Atrium and experience individual perspectives on this treasured holiday. The museum comes alive with dancers, musicians, and artists of all ages performing traditional Mexican song and dance.
Boulder County is home to a vibrant Mexican community, and we have a fantastic opportunity to share and experience their culture this Día de Muertos. Don’t miss the chance to try something new and celebrate Halloween weekend in a different way.