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
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
FLAGSTAFF — From a daily Parade de los Muertos in the courtyard featuring members of Ballet Folkloric de Colores — Flagstaff, to large colorful canvas murals created by students throughout Northern Arizona, the 22nd annual Celebraciones de la Gente (Celebrations of the People) offered several new features during its presentation on Oct. 25, 26 at the Museum of Northern Arizona.
Sponsored by the Museum in partnership with Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, the annual Día de los Muertos celebration of course included its traditional display of altars / ofrendas, approaching nearly two dozen this year, cultural lectures on the Latino impact in Flagstaff and the art of creating these meaningful ofrendas.
The event opened with a private blessing by Nuestras members to the four directions of the compass, followed by the lighting of the ofrendas.
There were plenty of activities for young people including five completely sold out sugar skull decorating workshops for students, face painting, Día de los Muertos crafts and calaveritas (short poetry).
Adults and young people were also entertained with a Mexican loteria (lottery) game, a variety of Arizona food vendors.
Performances included Ballet Folklórico de Colores of Flagstaff, with the dance group concluding their daily performance by parading through the museum’s Jaime Major Golightly Courtyard dressed in their colorful Día de los Muertos-themed costumes.
A special annual treat is the Courtyard After Dark celebration, where the lights are dimmed with the candlelight ofrendas offering a moving display. The evening included the performance by Mariachi Agave from Tucson, which also provided daily performances in the museum’s Branigar/Chase Discovery Center.
The weekend event concluded with closing remarks by the Museum’s Executive Director Mary Kershaw, who thanked members of Nuestras Raíces for partnering with the museum for the event. She also thanked the museum’s volunteers and staff including MNA Programs Coordinator Maclovia Corrales who worked closely with the Nuestras team to put on the celebration.
Mariachi Agave then officially closed the event with a procession around the courtyard, through the event’s community ofrenda and out to the north entrance for the official group photo.
Reservations coming soon for — 2025 Sugar Skull Decorating Workshops at the Celebraciones de la Gente Festival
FLAGSTAFF — Experience the vibrant traditions of Mexican, Mexican American, and LatinX communities at the 22nd Annual Celebraciones de la Gente! at the Museum of Northern Arizona on Oct. 25-26, 2026. Join us for a weekend filled with color, culture, and celebration. Held in partnership with Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, 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. Savor delicious traditional foods and deepen your understanding of Dia de los Muertos through cultural presentations. Mariachi Agave from Tucson and Ballet Folklorico de Colores of Flagstaff will bring distinctive sounds and movement to the celebration. Children will delight in the 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 available at the door, good for the entire weekend, and include admission to the Museum.
$20 General Admission, $10 MNA members, $8 youth, kids 9 and under free.
More details to come. Click here for more information.
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/
Gracias Flagstaff,
We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended our 10th annual Summertime Tardeada on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2029 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 1 Patrice Hortsman and District 2 Jeronimo Vasquez, the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC), Flagstaff Findlay Toyota, Lozano Flagstaff Mortuary, Mike and Ronda’s The Place, San Francisco de Asis Catholic Parish, along with sponsors AmigosNAZ, Beaver Street Brewery, Dale E. Crick Purple Heart Chapter No. 793, DeLaney @ Atelier Salon, Doherty Distribution — Mission Tortillas, Daniel Duran Family, Flagstaff Christian Fellowship, Guadalupanas, La Fonda Restaurant, Nackard Pepsi, Nestlé Purina, Norvel Owens Mortuary, Papa Charlie’s Heating and Cooling, Sportsman’s Bar & Grill, Sam’s Club and Walmart — Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces member Armando Gonzalez for organizing our presentation honoring all our veterans. Very much appreciated.
— From the board members and supporters of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces
SEE MORE PHOTOS AT WWW.AMIGOSNAZ.COM
FLAGSTAFF — A record-breaking crowd of more than 450 took part in the 10th annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklórico Festival” held on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.
The free event, which celebrates Flagstaff’s Hispanic culture and community history, was headlined with the return of popular all-female Mariachi Rubor, with other entertainment including opening music by Cumbre, the ever energetic Ballet Folkloroco de Colores — Flagstaff and closing dance music by New Destiny.
In between the entertainment, the event included the traditional all veterans group photo, the Dale E. Crick Purple Heart Chapter No.793 truck display, new additions to the Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces Hispanic veterans banner display; a car show, arts & crafts booths, raffles and of course tasty Mexican and other food.
New this year were family games including the chancla/slipper toss for gift cards, and the Flagstaff Police Dept.’s booth and display where young people had the chance to learn about the workings of a police cruiser.
Premier Sponsors this year include the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (including District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman and District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez), the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC), Flagstaff Findlay Toyota, Lozano’s Flagstaff Mortuary, Mike and Rhonda’s The Place, San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church, with a variety of supporting sponsors listed below. Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces members thanked all the sponsors for making this annual event possible.
Fund raised during the event go to the Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces’ Cultural Heritage Fund.
The weekend festivities concluded with a Mariachi Mass held on Sunday, Aug. 10 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.
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.
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
***
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:
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/
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.
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
Remembering Our Culture & History 