news & updates
news & updates
Mesa Arts Center celebrates the 20th anniversary of its award-winning Da de los Muertos Festival with an expanded celebration honoring culture, community and the memories of loved ones. The free festival takes place on Saturday, Oct. 24, from noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 25, from noon to 5 p.m. Relaxed Hour returns both days from 11 a.m. to noon, offering a more accessible festival experience.
Mesa Arts Center's Da de los Muertos Festival brings tens of thousands of people together each year. This year's festival features an expanded Saturday evening street party with free performances by QVLN (Quetzal Guerrero) at 7 p.m. and multiple GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY Award-winning artist Lila Downs at 8 p.m.
Rooted in Oaxaca and celebrated as one of Latin America's most influential voices, Downs blends traditional Mexican music with jazz, folk, cumbia and contemporary influences. Her powerful performances honor Mexican culture and heritage while celebrating the traditions and stories that inspire her music.
"For 20 years, Mesa Arts Center's Da de los Muertos Festival has brought our community together," said Mandy Tripoli, executive director of Mesa Arts Center. "As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we're excited to honor the traditions that have made this festival so meaningful while creating new experiences that will make this year's celebration unforgettable."
Festival favorites return throughout the weekend, including live entertainment, traditional dance, hands-on art activities, local artists and vendors, delicious food, family-friendly activities and vibrant cultural elements. At the heart of the festival is the Community Altar, where attendees are invited to leave photographs and mementos in honor of loved ones who have passed
On Saturday evening, the festival will transition into a vibrant street party on First Avenue following the lighting of the Community Altar. Most Mercado vendors and daytime festival activities will conclude at 7 p.m. as the evening celebration begins.
There is no charge to attend the Da de los Muertos Festival, and parking is free. Mesa Arts Center is located at One East Main Street in downtown Mesa. For more information, visit mesaartscenter.com.
The Da de los Muertos Festival is proudly supported by Desert Financial Credit Union, SRP, Aetna, BASIS Charter Schools, Doordash, Humana, Food City, FiberFirst, Celerion, Cane's, Whataburger, Jarritos and Bobby-Q, and is presented in partnership with Mesa Arts Center Foundation.