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 Raíceshonored 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.
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.
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
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.
FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces joined other major nonprofits such the United Way of Northern Arizona, The Literacy Center and the Flagstaff Community Band to secure 1st place in the non-profit category at Cococnino Community College’s virtual 2020 4th of July Parade.
“Thank you again for your participation in the first ever Shoebox Fourth of July Parade. As of right now, the video for the parade (with nearly 60 entries) has been viewed almost 1,500 times,” said April Sandoval, assistant to the CCC president. “We are so appreciative for the many community partners across the county that took the time to make a float. You all made the parade something really special, and we were astounded by your creativity and community spirit. The parade is on our YouTube channel and can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkwFQq_RrZg&t=6s.
The Nuestras Raíces float can be seen around the 5:30 minute mark of the video.
“Our District Governing Board members reviewed each float and judged them based on creativity, spirit, and presentation,” Sandoval said. “It was a close call in many categories and you’ll see a few ties in the results. The winners were:
Grand Prize/Best in Show: Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library
1st Place for Each Category:
Business – Ken’s Tours
Coconino Community College – three-way tie
Admissions and High School Programs
Small Business Development Center
PR/Marketing and Foundation
Education – two-way tie
Flagstaff Unified School District
Lowell Observatory
Family
The Lowe Family
Nonprofit – four-way tie
Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces
Flagstaff Community Band
The Literacy Center
United Way of Northern Arizona
The judging was so close in a number of categories so we also decided to recognize a few Honorable Mentions.
Roberts Accounting
Kinney Construction Services, Inc.
Alpine Academy Preschool
Neighbors – Crafting Sisters
The Hall Family
Family and Friends of Patrice: Carter Sisters and Lulu
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
NuestrasRaíces, Flagstaff’s organization dedicated to promoting Hispanic culture and history, will present the history of families and the significance of family structure.
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.
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