Flagstaff Nuestras Raices and the Museum of Northern Arizona partner to present the region’s own version of Day of the Dead / Día de los Muertos with the annual Celebraciones de la Gente. Below are some highlights of recent celebrations:
Celebrating Northern Arizona Hispanic Veterans
In remembering “Our Roots,” Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces is proud to recognize the sacrifice and dedication of veterans in the region. The group honors local veterans by participating in the annual Armed Forces Day Parade held each spring in Flagstaff, recognizing veterans during its annual Hispanic Reunion Picnic and by placing an altar dedicated to veterans at the annual Celebraciones de la Gente. Here are some photos of Hispanic veterans in Northern Arizona.
Preserving Hispanic history
Just the other day someone mentioned that a home had been demolished on Butler Avenue near Aspen Place at The Saw Mill in Flagstaff. The home apparently belonged to an individual who worked at the old saw mill and then spent his off-hours constructing his American Dream home.
Today, all you see are skiploaders and other earth movers preparing the property for another home project. So who owned the original home? What is the history behind the story?
In this section we hope to answer those questions, provide photos, links oral histories and other resources to preserve the rich heritage of the Hispanic community in Flagstaff and elsewhere in Northern Arizona.
Do you know who owned that home near the Sawmill? Please send us a note at contact@flagstaffnuestrasraices.org. We will also do a bit of history research to round out the story.
Speaking of stories, be sure to visit “Los Recuerdos del Barrio en Flagstaff,” which highlights the memories and life stories of Flagstaff’s Spanish, Basque, Mexican and Mexican-American community. The information is presented by the Cline Library’s Colorado Plateau Archives at Northern Arizona University. You can click here to review the section’s digitized collection of Hispanic heritage in the region, including photographs and oral histories, many conducted by Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces-own Delia Munoz.
Also, click here to visit the story of Carlos Trujillo that has been rescued and is being preserved by NAU.
Click here for a photograph and some details on Jessie Jimenez Alonzo who worked for the Navajo Army Depot in Bellmont during World War II.
Do you have some Hispanic family history to share, photos, videos, a family history website? Please send us some information at Please send us a note at contact@flagstaffnuestrasraices.org so we can put you in contact with the appropriate person or organization.
Northern Arizona community honors heritage with altars, closing ceremony at 2013 Celebraciones de la Gente
The day began with a sugar skull-making workshop and progressed to musical and dance performances and educational programs, concluding with the moving closing ceremonies at the 10th annual Celebraciones de la Gente, presented on Oct. 27, 2013 by the Museum of Northern Arizona and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces.
Activities included performances by musicians from the “Borders Songs” compilation album, dance performances by Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff, Mariachi Sol Azteca from Tucson, a performance of Mexican folk music by local favorites Los Compadres, and educational programs by Martin Espino and Filmmaker and NAU alum Carolyn Brown.
The blessing of the altars, led by Espino and members of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, concluded with the traditional group photo in front of the newly-created mural by the Southwest Eclectic Artist Association.
Capturing the spirit of 2013 Celebraciones de la Gente
From the creation of family altars, and a last-minute courtyard wide Oaxaca-style cemetery scene, to the moving closing ceremonies including the blessing of the altars, members of the Museum of Northern Arizona and the public enjoyed the three-day celebration of Hispanic heritage, art and culture at the 10th anniversary of Celebraciones de la Gente, presented Oct. 25-27, 2013 by the museum and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces.
Musical, educational programs highlight opening day for public at 2013 Celebraciones de la Gente
Musical and dance performances, lectures, along with arts and crafts demonstrations highlighted the opening day for the public at the 10th annual Celebraciones de la Gente, presented on Oct. 26, 2013 by the Museum of Northern Arizona and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces.
Events began with a folk music and theatrical performance by Carmen and Zarco Guerrero, a sugar skull-making workshop, face painting, performances by musicians from the “Borders Songs” compilation album, dance performances by Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff, Mariachi Sol Azteca from Tucson, and informational programs by Martin Espino and Filmmaker and NAU alum Carolyn Brown.
Community enjoys opening night at 2013 Celebraciones de la Gente
Despite of some last-minute excitement regarding an under-renovation courtyard, Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces and the Museum of Northern Arizona successfully celebrated opening night for museum members of the 10th anniversary of Celebraciones de la Gente on Oct. 25 in Flagstaff, AZ.
Heavy monsoon rains this past summer delayed renovation work at the museum, including the historic Jaime Major Golightly Courtyard. However, members of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces and staff from the Museum of Northern Arizona worked together to create a fitting Oaxaca-style cemetery, an addition that was complemented by many visitors to the museum during the weekend.
The opening night featured a presentation of awards of appreciation to Museum of Northern Arizona Director Dr. Robert Bruenig for the museum’s efforts over the years in working with Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces to create a successful Día de Los Muertos celebration.
The opening evening include music, food by Tacos Los Altos West in Flagstaff, the lighting candles at the altars / ofrendas and the and the cemetery, and family stories told by members of the community at their altars. A number of arts and crafts vendors could also be found throughout the museum. The event opened to the public on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 26-27.
Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces celebrates 2013 Hispanic Reunion
Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces celebrated its annual Hispanic Reunion on Aug. 24, 2013 at Fort Tuthill at the Coconino County Fairgrounds.
More than 60 guests took part in the activities which included food, music, games for the children including a piñata, a cake walk and a display of historic photos and information about the Hispanic pioneers of Flagstaff and Northern Arizona.
The reunion was followed by a dance featuring Tejano Music Award nominees Grupo XS at the American Legion in Flagstaff.
Photos by Frank X. Moraga / AmigosNAZ ©2013.
Flagstaff honors veterans, active service members with 2013 Armed Forces Day Parade
Flagstaff recognized Armed Forces Day on May 18, 2013 with a parade in downtown Flagstaff, Northern Arizona. The parade was followed by the Veterans Stand Down at American Legion Post 3 and the Armed Forces Day Military & Veterans Expo at Wheeler Park. Click on the image to see a slideshow from the celebration. Hover over each image to see a description.
Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, others recognize 2013 Armed Forces Day
Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces presented its Hispanic veterans information table at Wheeler Park. Flagstaff celebrated Armed Forces Day on May 18, 2013 with a parade in downtown Flagstaff, the Northern Arizona Veterans Stand Down at American Legion Post 3 and the Armed Forces Day Military & Veterans Expo at Wheeler Park. Click on the image to see a slideshow from the celebration. Hover over each image to see a description.
Remembering Our Culture & History 