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
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.
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.
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
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:
Visit http://www.flagstaffnuestrasraices.org or email 2021president@flagstaffnuestrasraices or info@flagstaffnuestrasraices.org for more information
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:
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.
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
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
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.
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
Remembering Our Culture & History 