
Category Archives: featured
Cinco de Mayo Celebration, dinner/dance to be held May 7
FLAGSTAFF — The Cinco de Mayo Celebration, dinner/dance will return at 5 p.m. Saturday, May 7 at The American Legion, 204 W. Birch Ave., Flagstaff.
Sponsored by The American Legion Auxiliary and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces.
Dinner from 5 to 6:30 p.m., with the dance from 7 to 11 p.m. with live music by Cymbre.
Tickets: $20 single / $30 couple. Dinner: $12 combo plate.
Tickets available at The American Legion.
In-person 18th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente returns to the Museum of Northern Arizona

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces celebrates the in-person return of Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead when the 18th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente is presented at the Museum of Northern Arizona on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 23 and 24.
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.
In partnership with Flagstaff’s Nuestras Raíces, the museum’s Jaime Golightly Courtyard will be transformed into a beautiful lit setting, with intricately cut papel picado (pierced paper) and lovely arrange 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, “Ofrenda 101” creating an altar workshops, performances by Ballet Folkorico de Colores — Flagstaff and Mariachi performers from Tucson.
The Courtyard After Dark event on Oct. 23 will include a candlelit ceremony honoring the memory of those who have lost their lives during the pandemic presented by members of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, with opening remarks by Museum of Northern Arizona Executive Director Mary Kershaw.
Celebraciones will be held from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24, concluding with the traditional blessing of the altars/offrendas closing ceremony.
The event will be held at:
3101 N Fort Valley Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
General Admission: $20
Native American: $10
Child under 9: Free
Flagstaff nuestras raíces presents the return of the ‘FLAGSTAFF SUMMERTIME TARDEADA

Join us in celebrating Culture and Community Bring your camp chairs. Canopies welcomed!!!
Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021 Noon to 7 p.m.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 224 South Kendrick St., Flagstaff
Featuring:
- FREE ADMISSION!!!
- The entertainment stage will feature Mariachi Herencia de Cuco Del Cid from Tucson, Ballet Folklorico de Colores – Flagstaff and dance music to conclude the celebration from Nueva Vibra from Tucson
- Veterans Recognition
- Mexican and BBQ Food, Raffles, Cumbia, Dancing, More!
- Also, Mariachi Mass, 8 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 22 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church
Visit http://www.flagstaffnuestrasraices.org or email 2021president@flagstaffnuestrasraices or info@flagstaffnuestrasraices.org for more information

Celebraciones de la Gente postponed until 2021
FLAGSTAFF — The 17th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona has been postponed until 2021. Originally scheduled for Oct. 24-25, 2020, the Day of the Dead festival was rescheduled for the health and safety of all of our artists, visitors and staff.
Rooted in community, this weekend-long event has been presented at the museum in partnership with Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces. It features fine art and unique crafts, music and dancing, colorful and elaborate ofrendas (altars), insightful heritage programs and Day of the Dead inspired crafts for the kids.
Members of Nuestras Raices are currently working on virtual Celebraciones de la Gente programming for this year. Details to come shortly.
Other museum heritage festivals that will be rescheduled until next year include the annual the Navajo Festival, the Hopi Festival and the Zuni Festival. A Fall Heritage originally scheduled for this year has also been postponed until next year. Click here for the latest information on the museum’s heritage programs.
See below for links to photos/stories from previous Celebraciones activities:
- Community comes together to remember departed loved ones at 2019 Celebraciones de la Gente
- Final touches made for opening of the 16th annual Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona
- Oct. 26-27 — 16th annual Celebraciones de la Gente to be held Oct. 26-27 at the Museum of Northern Arizona
- Community honors memories of families, friends with inspiring closing ceremony at 2018 Celebraciones de la Gente
- 15th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente opens with member preview on Oct. 19 at the Museum of Northern Arizona
- Lighting of the ofrendas greet museum members during 2017 Celebraciones de la Gente reception
- Visitors enjoy cultural performances, lectures on first day of 2017 Celebraciones de la Gente
- Community honors memories of families, friends with inspiring closing ceremony at 2017 Celebraciones de la Gente
- Celebraciones de la Gente returns to the Museum of Northern Arizona on Oct. 21-22
- The lighting of the ofrendas greet museum members during 2016 Celebraciones de la Gente reception
- Cultural performances, lectures and activities greet visitors on first day of 2016 Celebraciones de la Gente
- Region celebrates second day of 2016 Celebraciones de la Gente
- Northern Arizona community honors memories of families with closing ceremony at 2016 Celebraciones de la Gente
- Celebraciones de la Gente returns for lively Day of the Dead celebration on Oct. 22, 23
- Celebraciones de la Gente 2015 comes to a festive conclusion
- Celebraciones de la Gente continues at Museum of Northern Arizona
- 12th annual Celebraciones de la Gente opens to the public on Oct. 24 for two-day celebration of Día de los Muertos
- Sunset Magazine lists Celebraciones as one its its ‘“The West’s best Day of the Dead celebrations’
- 12th annual Celebraciones de la Gente to be held Oct. 24-25 at the Museum of Northern Arizona
- Region welcomes 11th annual Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona
- 11th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente to be presented at the Museum of Northern Arizona on Oct 25-26. Members reception to be held Oct. 24
- Northern Arizona community honors heritage with altars, closing ceremony at Celebraciones de la Gente
- Capturing the spirit of 2013 Celebraciones de la Gente
- Musical, educational programs highlight opening day for public at Celebraciones de la Gente
- Community enjoys opening night at 10th annual Celebraciones de la Gente
- Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces gets ready for 10th annual Celebraciones de la Gente starting Oct. 25
16th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente to be held Oct. 26-27, 2019 at the Museum of Northern Arizona
FLAGSTAFF — Celebrate cultural traditions at the 16th Annual Celebraciones de la Gente, a lively Day of the Dead festival. Rooted in community, this weekend-long event is presented in partnership with Flagstaff’s Nuestras Raíces. Don’t miss fine art and unique crafts, music and dancing, colorful and elaborate ofrendas (altars), insightful heritage programs and Day of the Dead inspired crafts for the kids.
Admission
Weekend Pass: $18 adult, $12 youth
Daily Admission: $12 adult; $8 youth (11-17), student & American Indian (with ID); children under 10 free.
Courtyard After Dark Saturday, October 26, 5-8 pm
Enjoy an evening viewing of the community ofrendas (altars) against a backdrop of candlelight and strolling mariachi music. Mexican hot chocolate and pan dulce (sweet bread) available for purchase. Dress warm!
Courtyard After Dark Admission: Included with festival admission or $6 per person. Children under 10 free.
Schedule of Events
Saturday
10:00 am- 10:30 Decorating Sugar Skulls on the Patio
10:45-11:15 am Ballet Folklorico performance on the Mainstage
11:30-12:00 pm Mariachi Sol Azteca performance on the Mainstage
12:10-12:30 pm Comparza Texalpan
1:15-1:45 pm Ballet Folklorico performance on the Mainstage
2:00-2:30 pm Ofrenda tour in the Courtyard with Nuestras Raices
2:45-3:15 pm Dance performance
3:30-4:00 pm Mariachi Sol Azteca performance on the Mainstage
4:00-4:20 pm Comparza Texalpan
4:30-5:00 pm Ofrendas 101
5:00-8:00 pm Courtyard After Dark
Sunday
10:00 am- 10:30 Decorating Sugar Skulls on the Patio
10:45-11:15 am Ballet Folklorico performance on the Mainstage
11:00-11:30 am Mariachi Marisol performance in the Courtyard
11:45-12:15 pm Mariachi Sol Azteca performance on the Mainstage
12:30-1:00 pm Lecture with Amanda Blanco
1:00-2:00 pm Cumeres Performance in the Courtyard
1:15-1:45 pm Ballet Folklorico performance on the Mainstage
2:00-2:30 History of Families with Nuestras Raices
2:45-3:15 Dance Performance
3:30-4:00 pm Puebloan Day of the Dead with Ed Kabote
4:15-4:45 pm Mariachi Sol Azteca performance on the Mainstage
4:45-5:00 pm Closing Processional
Heritage Insights presentations
Ofrendas 101 with Delia Ceballos Muñoz
A centuries-old tradition, ofrendas are an integral aspect of Day of the Dead. In this interactive discussion, Muñoz will discuss the origins of these ritual alters, the symbolism behind them, and demonstrate the process of building a refuge for the tired souls of lost loved ones.
Puebloan Day of the Dead with Ed Kabotie
Artist-in-resident Ed Kabotie will explore the cultural commonalities between the Puebloan and Latin@ celebration of Day of the Dead. In this ‘edutainment’ style presentation, a fusion of music and the spoken word of his own design, Kabotie will foster understanding for the shared traditions of southwestern Pueblo Tribes and Latin@ peoples.
History of Families with Nuestras Raices
Nuestras Raíces, Flagstaff’s organization dedicated to promoting Hispanic culture and history, will present the history of families and the significance of family structure.
Participating Artists & Organizations
alphabetical by last name
Lucia Cartes, Jewelry / Fashion (GG)
Melany Colamarino, Sculpture (BG)
Irene Dominguez, Pottery (BG)
Denise Pacheco, Fine Art / Pottery (GG)
Rick Pacheco, Fine Art / Pottery (GG)
Jess Rick Rodriguez, Fine Art (GG)
Location key:
GG= Geology Gallery
JMG=Jamie Major Golightly Courtyard
BG= Babbitt Gallery
Visit http://musnaz.org/heritage/celebraciones/ for more information
Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces presents annual Sugar Skull Workshop at Banderas Craft Tacos in downtown Flagstaff on Oct. 4, 2019
FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces will present its annual Sugar Skull-making workshop from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 at Banderas Craft Tacos, 11 E. Aspen Ave., downtown Flagstaff.
Come learn the secrets of turning water and sugar into skulls for upcoming Día de Los Muertos / Day of the Dead celebrations.
Class led by Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, presenters of the annual Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona (Oct. 26-27).
$10 for a completed sugar skull and decorating supplies. Bring your own beverage. Snacks provided.
Visit www.FlagstaffNuestrasRaices.org or send an email to president@FlagstaffNuestrasRaices.org or info@FlagstaffNuestrasRaices.org for more information.
Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces celebrates return of 2019 Summertime Tardeada Festival
Click on photo above to see slideshow from the 2019 Summertime Tardeada at www.AmigosNAZ.com
FLAGSTAFF — Temperatures in the mid-80s could not deter community members and supporters of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces as the region celebrated the return the Summertime Tardeada Festival at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Flagstaff.
More than 200 people attended the celebration, which included music by community favorite Mariachi Sol Azteca, along with newcomer to the festival, Mariachi Tradicíon de México, both from Tucson.
Mariachi Sol Azteca has now performed in all five of the Summertime Tardeadas in Flagstaff, and is a fan favorite at the annual Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona.
The Summertime Tardeada took last year off due to the unexpected death of 2018 Nuestras Raíces President Cristina Anaya and long-time Nuestras Raíces supporter and World War II veteran Tomas Vega.
In memory of Cristina Anaya, the mariachi group performed one of her favorite songs, a performance that deeply touched her family.
The celebration also included the annual recognition and group photo of veterans, who were all awarded with certificates in honor of their service. Nearly a dozen family and vendor booths surrounded the newly upgraded parking lot in an event that also featured traditional Mexican food, a raffle and a spirited performance by Ballet Folkorico de Colores — Flagstaff.
Veterans were also invited to have their individual portrait taken at the event so they can be included in future recognition banners created by Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces. Veterans and family members are also encouraged to send photos of local service members via email at president@flagstaffnuestrasraices.org
THANK YOU SPONSORS
Coconino County Supervisors: Liz Archuleta,
District 2 Art Babbott,
District 1 Jim Parks, District 4
Arizona Public Service (APS)
AZ Team Flag / Domino’s Pizza
Coconino Community College ALAS Club
Dennis Chavez
Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC)
Greenlaw Barber Shop (Richard Coroma)
La Fonda Mexican Restaurant
Lamp Post Hair Salon
Pablo Lopez III & Eusebio Lopez
Lozano Enterprizes Inc.
Mike and Rhonda’s — The Place (Missy)
Military Order of the Purple Heart Dale Crick Chapter 793
Mission Foods
Nestlé Purina
Safeway on Cedar Avenue
San Francisco de Asis Parish
Walmart Westside
Mariachi Sol Azteca, Mariachi Tradición de Mexico to perform at Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada on June 29, 2019
Veterans are encouraged to arrive by 11:30 a.m. so they can participate in the traditional group photo and receive their veterans recognition certificates.
FLAGSTAFF, AZ (June 21, 2019) — To celebrate and recognize Flagstaff’s Hispanic roots, Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces invites the public to attend its fifth annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklorico Festival” from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 29 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 Coconino County Board of Supervisors is the premier sponsor.
The festival’s goal is to celebrate the legacy of Flagstaff’s Hispanic culture through entertainment, music, dance, art, food and exhibits. Veterans are encouraged to arrive by 11:30 a.m. so they can participate in the traditional group photo and receive their veterans recognition certificates.
The entertainment stage will feature Mariachi Sol Azteca and Mariachi Traditión de Mexico from Tucson, Ballet Folklorico de Colores – Flagstaff and dance music by DJ Armando.
The event will also include an “Oldies” car show (from the early ’60s back to the 1940s) and 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, June 30 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.
Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada returns June 29, 2019
FLAGSTAFF — To celebrate and recognize Flagstaff’s Hispanic roots, Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces invites the public to attend to the return of the “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklorico Festival” from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 29, 2019 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 224 S. Kendrick St., Flagstaff.
The event is free and has drawn upwards of 400 visitors in past years.
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.
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.
The Tardeada will feature mariachi and folklorico performances, a tribute to Hispanic veterans in the region, a raffle and Mexican and regular barbecue food sold as a fundraiser.
So escape the triple-digit temperature in most of Arizona, bring your chairs and canopies and enjoy the cooler mountain breezes of Northern Arizona.
More details to come…
To participate as a vendor or sponsor, please send an email to Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces President Delia Munoz at president@flagstaffnuestrasraices.org
Click on photo below to view photos of 2017 Tardeada celebration
Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces celebrates 2017 Summertime Tardeada Mariachi & Folklorico Festival
Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces celebrates ‘2016 Summertime Tardeada’
Record crowd attends 2nd annual ‘Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada and Oldies Car Show’
Northern Arizona veteranos honored at Tardeada 2015
Car show adds shine to Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada 2015
Mariachi Sol Azteca & Compania de Danza Folklorica Arizona make successful return to Tardeada 2015
Community dances the day, night away to sounds of Grupo Fierro of Tucson at Tardeada 2015
Inaugural ‘Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada and Oldies Car Show’ on June 28 draws larger than expected crowds