All posts by flagstaffnuestrasraices

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces is dedicated to promoting Hispanic culture and history through events, gatherings, the performing and visual arts. To further this purpose the Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces draws on the Arizona Hispanic family stories, history, traditions and talents as tools for cultural transmission. For more information, send an email to lagente@flagstaffnuestrasraices.com
Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada, Our lady of Guadalupe, Summertime Tardeada

Sponsorships still available for Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025

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Veterans are encouraged to attend so they can participate in the traditional group photo. Sponsorships are still available and most appreciated.

FLAGSTAFF — To celebrate and recognize Flagstaff’s Hispanic roots, Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces invites the public to attend its 10th annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklórico Festival” from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 224 S. Kendrick St., Flagstaff.

The event is FREE, open to the public and has drawn upwards of 400 visitors in past years. Sponsorships are available and most appreciated.

Entertainment for this year includes the opening music of Cumbre, followed by a dance performance by Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff, the return of the popular all-female Mariachi Rubor, with closing dance music by New Destiny.

What is a Tardeada? It’s a vibrant afternoon festival and social dance celebrating Flagstaff’s Hispanic culture and community history.

The festival’s goal is to celebrate the legacy of Flagstaff’s Hispanic culture through entertainment, music, dance, art, food and exhibits.

All veterans are encouraged to attend so they can participate in the traditional group photo.

A raffle. Mexican and regular barbeque food will be sold as a fundraiser for the Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces’ Cultural Heritage Fund.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church is a significant historic site because it was the pride and centerpiece of the Hispanic community when it was built in the late 1920s by Flagstaff Hispanic pioneer families, who had strong bonds to the church.

So for locals and visitors, escape triple-digit temperatures in the rest of the state, bring your lawn chairs and canopies and enjoy the cooler mountain breezes of Northern Arizona.

As part of the weekend celebration, a Mariachi Mass will be held Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

The public is invited to both events. Visit www.flagstaffnuestrasraices.org or send an email to president@flagstaffnuestrasraices.org or info@flagstaffnuestrasraices.org for more information.

Events, featured, News

American Legion Auxiliary and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíce celebrate 2025 Cinco de Mayo Dinner/Dance

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Editor’s note: Click on links to see video clips from the event.

FLAGSTAFF — With the crowd dancing to the music of DJ Eddie Trillo and folks dining on an assortment of tacos and enchiladas, the American Legion Auxiliary and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces celebrated their annual Cinco de Mayo Dance on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at the American Legion Mark A. Moore Post 3, 204 W. Birch Ave., Flagstaff.

Photos by Frank X. Moraga / http://www.AmigosNAZ.com ©2025

***

News, Our lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Cultural Center

Luminarias to light way for annual Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration on Dec. 12, 2024 in Flagstaff

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Photo of 2023 Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration by Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ.com ©2024

Procession to be held Dec. 11

FLAGSTAFF — Luminarias will once again light way for the annual Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Flagstaff.

The Celebration begins on Wednesday, Dec. 11 when participants meet at 5 p.m. at San Francisco de Asis Church, 1600 E. Rt. 66 (Rt. 66 & Ponderosa Parkway), to ride a busy to the Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe for the procession. Participants can also meet at the chapel at 224 S Kendrick St., Flagstaff.

The procession will begin from the chapel to San Francisco de Asis Church at 5:30 p.m.

The procession will take a brief stop at the Flagstaff Fire Dept. Station 2, 1701 E. Ponderosa Parkway, for coffee and other drinks and sweets, and to watch a dance by Los Matachines de San Francisco de Asis before proceeding up to the church for another performance at 7 p.m. by Los Matachines, an Apparition Reenactment and the Consecration to the Virgin Mary. (There will be no Mass on the 11th).

A Mass will be held at 6 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 at Our Lady of Guadalupe, where participants will be greeted by the glow of more than 100 luminaries surrounding the chapel placed by members of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, who will also present the breakfast in the church’s basement following the Mass.

The Rosary will be led by Las Guadalupanas,  followed by the Mañanitas Serenade to Our Lady of Guadalupe at 6:30 a.m., the bilingual Mass at 7 a.m.

Please click on the flyer or visit the Church’s website or facebook page for the latest information.

Members of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces met this past week to prepare the luminarias for the event. Please see more photos below.

Please see photos and stories of previous Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebrations:

Celebraciones, Celebraciones de la Gente, Events, featured, News

Celebraciones de la Gente honors vibrant tradition Oct. 26-27, 2024 at the Museum of Northern Arizona

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Get more details here

Now taking reservations for — Sugar Skull Decorating Workshop at the Celebraciones de la Gente Festival 

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The 21st Annual Celebraciones de la Gente (Celebrations of the People) takes place Oct. 26 and 27 at the Museum of Northern Arizona. Held in partnership with Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, the community event honors a vibrant tradition with a weekend of remembrances, joy and cultural immersion.

In the spirit of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), Celebraciones invites people to experience the magic of colorful ofrendas (altars), unique tributes to loved ones passed, in the museum’s Jaime Major Golightly Courtyard. As the sun sets on Saturday, the courtyard transforms into a candlelit scene for Courtyard After Dark. Visitors can take in glowing ofrendas under the night sky while enjoying Mexican sweets and hot chocolate.

Celebraciones cultural performances include the powerful sounds of Mariachi Rubor, a celebrated all-female ensemble, and the festive movements of Ballet Folklorico de Colores of Flagstaff. Children and families can participate in hands-on activities such as decorating sugar skulls and face painting. Arts and crafts vendors will feature art, handmade goods and cultural treasures.

Explore the popularization of the Day of the Dead with Jose G. Moreno, Ph.D., director of ethnic studies at Northern Arizona University. He will speak both days at 11 a.m. in the museum’s Branigar/Chase Discovery Center. The festival also welcomes Tamales USA, Baja Mar Seafood, and Elotero, each serving up traditional Mexican dishes for an authentic culinary experience.

Margurita Cruz will lead calavera literaria (literary skull) writing workshops. These satirical verses composed for the Day of the Dead poke lighthearted fun at friends, colleagues, relatives, and celebrities. The calavera literaria activity is held in collaboration with the Northern Arizona Book Festival.

Celebraciones de la Gente ticket prices range from $5 to $20. A ticket includes entrance to the museum, is valid for the entire weekend, and can be purchased in advance or at the door. Children ages 9 and under are free. Preregistration and a small fee are required for the sugar skull making workshops.

Find ticket, workshop registration and other event details at https://musnaz.org/all-upcoming- events/celebraciones/

About the Museum of Northern Arizona

Nestled in a forested landscape, the Museum of Northern Arizona sits at the base of the San Francisco Peaks on the road to the Grand Canyon. For nearly 100 years, the museum has been a gateway to understanding the Colorado Plateau by engaging visitors with life-enriching knowledge and experiences centered on culture, art, and science. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more at https://musnaz.org/

Celebraciones de la Gente, Events, featured, News

SAVE THE DATE — 21st Annual Celebraciones de la Gente to be held at the Museum of Northern Arizona on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 26, 27, 2024.

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21st Annual Celebraciones de la Gente to be held at the Museum of Northern Arizona on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 26, 27, 2024.

Get more details here

Now taking reservations for — Sugar Skull Decorating Workshop at the Celebraciones de la Gente Festival 

Experience the vibrant traditions of Mexican, Mexican American, and Latin X communities at the 21st Annual Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona! Join us for a weekend filled with color, culture, and celebration. Held in partnership with Flagstaff Nuestras Raices, Celebraciones honors the spirit of Día de los Muertos with heartfelt remembrances and joyful festivities.

Enjoy cultural dances and music as you explore the brightly adorned ofrendas in the Jaime Major Golightly Courtyard, each a stunning display of love and memory. Discover unique arts and crafts from local vendors, savor delicious traditional foods, and deepen your understanding through cultural presentations. Mariachi Rubor Femenil, Arizona’s renowned all-female mariachi group, and Ballet Folklorico de Colores of Flagstaff will bring distinctive sounds and movement to the celebration. Children will delight inthe creativity of sugar skull decorating and face painting.

As the sun sets on Saturday, the courtyard transforms into a magical scene for Courtyard After Dark. Witness the glowing ofrendas under the night sky, indulge in sweet treats and beverages, and soak in the rich atmosphere.

Don’t miss this premier fall festival. Invite your friends and family, from this world and the next!

Celebraciones tickets are good for the entire weekend: $20 General Admission, $10 MNA members, $5 youth, kids age 9 and under free.

Purchase advance tickets for Saturday here and Sunday here!

LatinX Artists, Creators, Vendors! Interested in selling your work and creations at this vibrant fall festival? Send a message of interest to ctaillac@musnaz.org or call (928) 440-6480. Gracias por tu interés.

featured, Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada, News, Summertime Tardeada

Thanks for making 9th annual Summertime Tardeada a success!

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Gracias Flagstaff,

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended our annual Summertime Tardeada on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024 and made it a great success.

A special thanks to our supporters and sponsors who made this annual community event possible: Premier Sponsors Coconino County Board of Supervisors District 2 Jeronimo Vasquez, the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) and San Francisco de Asis Catholic Parish, along with sponsors AmigosNAZ, Barbara Arnold, Beaver Street Brewery, Dale Crick Purple Heart Chapter No. 793, Doherty Distribution — Mission Tortillas, Daniel Duran Family, Flagstaff Christian Fellowship, Flagstaff Findlay Toyota, Guadalupanas, La Fonda Restaurant, Lozano Mortuary, Mama B’s, Mike and Ronda’s The Place, Nackard Pepsi, Nestlé Purina, Norvel Owens Mortuary, Papa Ray’s Heating and Cooling and Walmart — Flagstaff East & West.

Also, thank you to this special community who helped break down tents, move tables and chairs at the end of this event.

Finally, a thank you to Armando Gonzalez for participating in our presentation honoring all our veterans. Very much appreciated.

— From the board members and supporters of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces

Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada, Hispanic Veterans, News, Our lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church & Cultural Center

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces celebrates 9th annual Summertime Tardeada on Aug. 10 and Mariachi Mass on Aug. 11

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Photos by Frank X. Moraga / www.AmigosNAZ.com ©2024

FLAGSTAFF — Threatening skies didn’t keep the crowd away when Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces celebrated its 9th annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklórico Festival” on Aug. 10 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

Nearly 400 visitors had the opportunity to enjoy the celebration with performances by the all-female Mariachi Rubor Femenil from Phoenix, Ballet Folklorico de Colores – Flagstaff, with dance music by Soul Persuasion from Phoenix.

Mariachi Rubor Femenil will be performing again in Flagstaff during the upcoming Celebraciones de la Gente Oct. 26, 27 at the Museum of Northern Arizona.

The Tardeada concluded promptly at 7 p.m. with a nearby lighting strike at the end of the Soul Persuasion performance. The Tardeada also included the annual Veterans recognition, games for adults and children, food and the return a classic car show.

This year’s Premier Sponsors were the Cococnino County Board of Supervisors,  the Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC). and San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church, with the support of a number of community groups.

Click here or on photo above to see more 2024 Tardeada and Mariachi Mass photos on www.AmigosNAZ.com

Celebraciones de la Gente, News

Deadline approaching (Sept. 16) for exhibitors to participate in our new Arts & Crafts Vendors Plaza at the 2024 Celebraciones de la Gente

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The Museum of Northern Arizona and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces invite you to participate in the 21st annual Celebraciones de la Gente, a lively Day of the Dead Festival on Oct. 26, 27, 2024

Exhibitor booths will be open from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, Oct. 26 and Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024.

Please click here to download and fill out a vendor application before we are sold out. The deadline is Monday, Sept. 16, 2024. Send the completed application to ctaillac@musnaz.org or call (928) 440-6480

Events, featured, News, Summertime Tardeada

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces to celebrate 9th annual Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada on Aug. 10. Followed by traditional Mariachi Mass on Aug. 11

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Mariachi Rubor Femenil, Soul Persuasion and Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff to headline FREE event. Veterans are encouraged to attend so they can participate in the traditional group photo. Sponsorships are still available and most appreciated.

FLAGSTAFF — To celebrate and recognize Flagstaff’s Hispanic roots, Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces invites the public to attend its 9th annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklórico Festival” from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 224 S. Kendrick St., Flagstaff.

The event is FREE, open to the public and has drawn upwards of 400 visitors in past years. 

What is a Tardeada? It’s a vibrant afternoon festival and social dance celebrating Flagstaff’s Hispanic culture and community history.

The festival’s goal is to celebrate the legacy of Flagstaff’s Hispanic culture through entertainment, music, dance, art, food and exhibits. All veterans are encouraged to to attend so they can participate in the traditional group photo.

Courtesy photos.

The entertainment stage will feature Mariachi Rubor Femenil from Phoenix, Ballet Folklorico de Colores – Flagstaffand dance music by Soul Persuasion to conclude the celebration from Soul Persuasion from Phoenix.

A raffle. Mexican and regular barbeque food will be sold as a fundraiser for the Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces’ Cultural Heritage Fund.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church is a significant historic site because it was the pride and centerpiece of the Hispanic community when it was built in the late 1920s by Flagstaff Hispanic pioneer families, who had strong bonds to the church.

So for locals and visitors, escape triple-digit temperatures in the rest of the state, bring your lawn chairs and canopies and enjoy the cooler mountain breezes of Northern Arizona.

A Mariachi Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

The public is invited to both events. Visit www.flagstaffnuestrasraices.org or send an email to president@flagstaffnuestrasraices.org or info@flagstaffnuestrasraices.org for more information.

See photos from previous Tardeadas and Mariachi Masses:

Celebraciones de la Gente, featured, News

Vendor Applications now available for the 2024 Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff

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The Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA) and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces invite you to participate in the annual Celebraciones de la Gente, a lively Day of the Dead festival on October 26 & 27, 2024.

Exhibitor booths will be open from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024.

Please click here to download and fill out a vendor application.