Event was presented by the American Legion Auxiliary and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces
FLAGSTAFF — Community members spent a lively evening dancing, enjoying bowls full of posole, participating and having a good time during the annual Cinco de Mayo Dance, featuring Los Alambrados, held at the American Legion Mark A. Moore Post 3 on Saturday, May 4, 2024.
The event was presented by the American Legion Auxiliary and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces.
Photos by Frank X. Moraga / http://www.AmigosNAZ.com ©2024
FLAGSTAFF — The American Legion Auxiliary and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces will present their annual Cinco de Mayo Dance, featuring Los Alambrados, from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, May 4 at the American Legion Mark A. Moore Post 3, 204 W. Birch Ave., Flagstaff.
Tickets are $20 per person / $35 per couple.
Contact American Legion Post 3 at FlagstaffAL3@Gmail.com or call 928-774-7682 for tickets, more information
FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raices & the Museum of Northern Arizona: 20thAnnual Celebraciones de la Gente has been selected as a 2024 Viola Awards Finalists for the Excellence in Collaboration category by Creative Flagstaff.
The winners of the category will be announced on March 23, 2024 at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Flagstaff.
The 20th anniversary annual Celebraciones de la Gente — Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead festival was held Oct. 21, 22 at the Museum of Northern Arizona.
The event, a partnership between Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces and the Museum of Northern Arizona, featured the return of the the ever-popular InTlanextli Tlacopan Aztec Fire Dancers, Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff, El Charro Bohemia, sugar skull and other workshops, and the display of nearly two dozen ofrendas/altars in the historic Jaime Golightly Courtyard.
Click here to see a slideshow of photos from the event.
Please see entire media release below
Creative Flagstaff is pleased to announce the Finalists and Legacy Award Recipient for the 16th Annual Viola Awards. The Viola Awards celebrate excellence in the arts and sciences in Flagstaff, Arizona. 42 finalists are recognized across 10 categories, with some finalists being recognized in multiple categories. All finalists will be honored at the event on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the Orpheum Theater in historic downtown Flagstaff.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/16th-annual-viola-awards-tickets-825751574187
(Full list of finalists below).
Creative Flagstaff is honored to recognize Klee Benally as the 2024 The Babbitt Brothers Foundation Viola Legacy Award recipient. Klee passed away in December of 2023. During his life, he fought tirelessly in defense of the land, against injustices, and in support of indigenous communities which was the foundation for his creative practice and artistry. He was an Indigenous anarchist, visual and performing artist, writer, and musician. He published “No Spiritual Surrender: Indigenous Anarchy in Defense of the Sacred” in November 2023. He played with Blackfire, which he formed with his brother and sister when he was 14 until 2012 and he recorded a solo album in 2013. He also formed “Appropriation” around 2017 which released 1 album. Klee was heavily involved with organizations and projects such as; Indigenous Action, Taala Hooghan Info Shop, Kinlani Mutual Aid, and Out Your Backpack Media. He also created Burn the Fort, which is a game of Indigenous Resistance. Klee’s passion and creativity were endless, and he is an inspiration to us all.
This year nearly 150 nominations were sent to Creative Flagstaff from members of the Flagstaff Community. At the same time, nearly 30 members of the Flagstaff community applied to serve as a panelist for this year’s awards. Panelists have the important job of determining the finalists and winners of the event. Panels were assembled based on interest and expertise. Panels met in late January to select the official Finalists which were announced Friday, February 19, 2024.
Learn more about this year’s Viola Awards here: creativeflagstaff.org/viola/2024-viola-awards/
FLAGSTAFF — More than 100 luminarias surrounded Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Chapel as traditional music could be heard coming from inside during the annual Celebration Our Lady of Guadalupe held Dec. 12, 2023 in Flagstaff.
Participants to the Celebration met the previous evening at the chapel to take part in a procession to San Francisco de Asis Church on Route 66. After a scheduled brief stop at the Flagstaff Fire Dept.Station 2 for coffee and other drinks and sweets, participants walked up to the church watch a dance by Las Matachines de San Francisco de Asis, the Rosary (led by teens), a play and consecration to Mary.
At the celebration on Dec. 12 at the chapel, participants were greeted by the glow luminaries surrounding the chapel. placed by members of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces.
The celebration included a Rosary, lead by Las Guadalupanas, followed by the presentation of Las Mañanitas, the Mass in English, with coffee, Mexican chocolate and pan dulce served in the church’s basement.
See photo slideshows and stories of previous Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebrations:
See 2023 Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration photos below
The 2023 Celebraciones de la Gente is supported in part by the Arizona Commission on the Arts which receives support from the State of Arizona and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional Premier Sponsors include Coconino County District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez and the Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) and APS. Celebraciones presented in partnership with the Museum of Northern Arizona.
CLICK HERE to see www.AmigosNAZ.com photos from the 19th annual Celebraciones de la Gente held on Oct. 29, 30, 2022.
FLAGSTAFF — Sugar Skull Workshops online reservations are selling out for the 20th anniversary annual Celebraciones de la Gente — Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead festival at the Museum of Northern Arizona on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 21 and 22.
Decorating sugar skulls is a favorite activity for kids and families during Celebraciones. Nuestras Raices makes the sugar skulls and provides frosting and decorations. Since this is a very popular event that always sells out, we require pre-registration. That way you know your child’s sugar skull is waiting for them and what time to arrive. You will also need to purchase admission tickets for Celebraciones.
Cost – $5
SOLD OUT — Click here to reserve a sugar skull workshop on Saturday at 10:30.
Click here to reserve a sugar skull workshop on Saturday at 12:00.
Click here to reserve a sugar skull workshop on Sunday at 10:30.
Click here to reserve a sugar skull workshop on Sunday at 12:00.
Celebraciones de la Gente is a partnership between Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces and the Museum of Northern Arizona, with generous funding of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces’ programming by the Arizona Commission on the Arts, Coconino County District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez and the Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC).
Celebraciones tickets are good for the entire weekend: $20 General Admission, $10 MNA members, $5 youth, kids age 9 and under free.
This year’s event features the return of the ever-popular InTlanextli Tlacopan Aztec Fire Dancers and Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff performing on both days of the festival in the Branigar/Chase Discovery Center, along with daily performances in the historic Jaime Golightly Courtyard by El Charro Bohemia.
Celebrate the history and culture of Mexican, Mexican American and Latin@ communities in Northern Arizona at this annual fall event, which will include music, dance, food and heartfelt remembrances.
The museum’s Jaime Golightly Courtyard will be transformed into a beautiful lit setting, with intricately cut papel picado (pierced paper) and lovely arranged ofrendas (altars) to welcome past loved ones to the party.
On Saturday evening, the courtyard will stay open into the night, as the full impact of the candlelit ofrendas can be enjoyed, along with Mexican treats and soulful strolling Mariachis. Don’t miss this fall festival. Invite your friends and family, from this world and the next!
Some of the scheduled events each day include sugar skull-making workshops in the Patio (reservations required), performances by Ballet Folkorico de Colores — Flagstaff, and presentations on the the “History of Mariachi Music.”
Celebraciones de la Gente will be held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22.
The ever-moving Closing Ceremony (blessing of the altars/ofrendas) to be held at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22 immediately followed by the festival attendees group photo.
The schedule includes:
Saturday, October 21
10:00 Museum Opens
10:15-11:00 am – Ofrendas 101 presentation by Nuestras Raices
10:30 – Sugar Skull Workshop (Patio) (reservations required here)SORRY, SOLD OUT
11:00-12:00 pm –Musical perform by El Charro Bohemio in the Courtyard
11:30 am – Puppet Show in Discovery Room
11:30 am – Calaveritas Literarias Workshop in Gallery
12:00 – Sugar Skull Workshop (Patio) (reservations required here)
12:00-5:00 pm – Face painting in the Courtyard
1-2 pm – Dance Performance by Ballet Folklorico de Colores de Flagstaff
1:00 – Sugar Skull Workshop (Patio) (reservations required here)
2:00-3:00 pm – The Musical Evolution of Mexico presentation and performance
3:30-4:30 pm – Aztec Fire Dancers (BCDC)
6:00-7:00pm – Musical performance by El Charro Bohemio in the Courtyard
All day in the Living Room – Silent Auction
Sunday, October 22
10:00 am – Celebraciones opens
10:15-11:00 am – Ofrendas 101 presentation by Nuestras Raices
10:30 am -11:30 am – Sugar Skull decorating (reservations required)
11:00-1:00 pm – Musical perform by El Charro Bohemio in the Courtyard
11:30 am – Puppet Show in Discovery Room
11:30 am – Calaveritas Literarias Workshop in Gallery
12:00-1:00 pm –Sugar Skull decorating (reservations required)
12:00-5:00 pm – Face painting in the Courtyard
1:00-2:00 pm – Dance Performance by Ballet Folklorico de Colores
2:00 – Musical Performance by Don Julio in the Courtyard
2:00-3:00 pm – The Musical Evolution of Mexico presentation and performance
3:30-4:30 pm – Aztec Fire Dancers
4:30 pm – Closing Ceremony in the Courtyard
All day in the Living Room – Silent Auction
The event will be held at:
3101 N Fort Valley Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
The 2023 Celebraciones de la Gente is supported in part by the Arizona Commission on the Arts which receives support from the State of Arizona and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional Premier Sponsors include Coconino County District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez and the Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC). Celebraciones presented in partnership with the Museum of Northern Arizona.
CLICK HERE to see www.AmigosNAZ.com photos from the 19th annual Celebraciones de la Gente held on Oct. 29, 30, 2022.
FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead festival when the annual Celebraciones de la Gente returns to the Museum of Northern Arizona on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 21 and 22.
The event is a partnership between Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces and the Museum of Northern Arizona, with generous funding of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces’ programming by the Arizona Commission on the Arts, Coconino County District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez and the Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC).
This year’s event features the return of the ever-popular In Tlanextli Tlacopan Aztec Fire Dancers performing on both days of the festival in the Branigar/Chase Discovery Center, along with daily performances in the historic Jaime Golightly Courtyard by El Charro Bohemia.
Celebrate the history and culture of Mexican, Mexican American and Latin@ communities in Northern Arizona at this annual fall event, which will include music, dance, food and heartfelt remembrances.
The museum’s Jaime Golightly Courtyard will be transformed into a beautiful lit setting, with intricately cut papel picado (pierced paper) and lovely arranged ofrendas (altars) to welcome past loved ones to the party.
On Saturday evening, the courtyard will stay open into the night, as the full impact of the candlelit ofrendas can be enjoyed, along with Mexican treats and soulful strolling Mariachis. Don’t miss this fall festival. Invite your friends and family, from this world and the next!
Some of the scheduled events each day include sugar skull-making workshops in the Patio (reservations required), performances by Ballet Folkorico de Colores — Flagstaff, and presentations on the the “History of Mariachi Music.”
Celebraciones de la Gente will be held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22.
The ever-moving Closing Ceremony (blessing of the altars/ofrendas) to be held at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22 immediately followed by the festival attendees group photo.
The tentative schedule includes:
Saturday, October 21
10:00 Museum Opens
10:30 Sugar Skull Workshop (Patio)
11:00 – 12:00 Mariachi performance (Courtyard)
12:00 Sugar Skull Workshop (Patio)
1:00 Ballet Foklorico (BCDC)
1:00 Sugar Skull Workshop (Patio)
2:00 History of Mariachi Music (BCDC)
3:30 Aztec Fire Dancers (BCDC)
6:00 Mariachi performance (Courtyard)
Sunday, October 22
10:00 Museum Opens
10:30 Sugar Skull Workshop (Patio)
11:00 – 1:00 Mariachi performance (Courtyard)
12:00 Sugar Skull Workshop (Patio)
1:00 Ballet Foklorico (BCDC)
2:00 History of Mariachi Music (BCDC)
3:30 Aztec Fire Dancers (BCDC)
4:30 Closing Ceremony
TICKET PRICES AND MORE FESTIVAL INFORMATION TO BE ANNOUNCED
The event will be held at:
3101 N Fort Valley Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Mariachi de Nuevo Mexico, 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
FLAGSTAFF — To celebrate and recognize Flagstaff’s Hispanic roots, Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces invites the public to attend its 8th annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklórico Festival” from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023 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. This year’s Premier Sponsors are the Cococnino County Board of Supervisors and the Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC).
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.
The entertainment stage will feature Mariachi de Nuevo Mexico from Phoenix, Ballet Folklorico de Colores – Flagstaff and dance music 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. 13, 2023 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.
The Flagstaff annual Cinco de Mayo celebration will be held from 5:30 to 11 p.m. Friday, May 5 at the American Legion — Mark A Moore Post 3, 204 W. Birch Ave., Flagstaff.
Hosted by the Auxiliary and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, the event includes a dinner ($12) from 5 to 6:30 p.m., and the dance from 7 to 11 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, October 29 – October 30
Museum of Northern Arizona 3101 N. Fort Valley Road, Flagstaff, AZ
The 19th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente Festival is an unparalleled opportunity to experience the history and culture of Mexican, Mexican American, and LatinX communities in Northern Arizona. Also known as the Day of the Dead, this event is a celebration of life, music, dance, food and heartfelt remembrances.
Throughout the weekend visitors can enjoy cultural dances and music, browse the intricately decorated Ofrendas that line the courtyard, and gain insights during presentations by cultural experts.
On Saturday evening the courtyard stays open into the evening so the full impact of the Ofrendas can be enjoyed, along with sweet treats and hot drinks.
Don’t miss this fall festival. Invite your friends and family, from this world and the next!
Veterans honored for their service by visitors who also enjoyed a mild Summer day featuring mariachi music, folklorico performance, dancing, Mexican food and more.
FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces honored the region’s Hispanic roots by celebrating the seventh annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklorico Festival” on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church south of downtown Flagstaff
The free event drew more than 250 people with the entertainment stage featuring El Mariachi Tapatio de Tucson, dance music by La Banda Las Catrinas from Tucson, Ballet Folklorico de Colores de Flagstaff.
The highlight of the event included the presentation of certificates honoring the service of all veterans who attended the celebration.
What is a Tardeada? It’s a vibrant afternoon festival and social dance celebrating Flagstaff’s Hispanic culture and community history. The Coconino County Board of Supervisors was the premier sponsor, supported by the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC).
During the event, Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces thanked all sponsors, individuals and organizations that contributed to the successful event (see full list below).
Following the Tardeada, a Mass, with a musical performance, was held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church on Sunday, Aug. 21, followed by a menudo/posole breakfast.
The 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.
Visit www.flagstaffnuestrasraices.org or send an email to president@flagstaffnuestrasraices.org or info@flagstaffnuestrasraices.org for more information.
Remembering Our Culture & History 