ARKANSAS, USA — Día de los Muertos—also referred to as Day of the Dead—is a Mexican and Mexican American holiday, which is steeped in tradition from pre-Columbian and Catholic customs. Often celebrated in the beginning of November, Día de los Muertos honors and greets loved one who have past as they journey back to be with the living around this time each year. Here are a few ways you can celebrate the tradition around Northwest Arkansas:
Fayetteville
Dia de los Muertos celebration at Community Creative Center
- What: Hands-on art activities, dance performances, refreshments, and more.
- When: 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3
- Where: Community Creative Center
- Cost: Free and open to the public
Rogers
Arkansas Arts Academy and the City of Rogers: Dia de Muertos Community event
- What: Begins at AAA campus where students will perform, art is displayed, and a tamale fundraiser is offered as well as art making and arts integration stations with connections to the celebration of El Dia de los Muertos. At 6:30 p.m., a procession will depart from the high school campus to Downtown Rogers where there will be dancers, marionettes, choir and percussion band leading the audience to the Rogers Historical Museum where the public can pay their respects to passed loved ones and ancestors at the oferenda.
- When: 5-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2.
- Where: Arkansas Arts Academy High School 506 West Poplar, Rogers, AR 72756
- Cost: Free and open to the public
Paint Your Power: Day of the Dead Immersive Art Experience
- What: Date night for couples to create art representing the vibrant celebration of the Day of the Dead with themed music, black lights, and projections, making creations glow.
- When: 7-9 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4
- Where: Paint Your Power, 121 W Walnut St, Rogers, AR 72756
- Cost: $35
- What: 90-minute workshop celebrating the Day of the Dead with two options: Create a bright Mexican floral or spooky, both in skull vases. Water, decaf coffee, and decaf iced tea will be available complimentary.
- When: Thursday, Nov. 2 at 6:30 p.m. Class minimum is 5 and maximum is 15.
- Where: ONYX Coffee Lab Headquarters, 101 E. Walnut Ave. Rogers, 72756
- Cost: $75 — Get tickets here
Community Cohesion Project's Dia De Los Muertos at the Rogers Metroplex
- What: A family-friendly event with traditional foods, music, crafting activities, Catrina fashions, and face painting.
- When: 1-5 p.m., on Sunday, Nov. 5
- Where: At the Rogers Metroplex, 2305 South 8th St.
- Cost: Free and open to the public
Springdale
Latinas en Bici: Dia de Muertos bike ride and after-party
- What: A themed bike ride and after-party— you can choose from four different distances/styles. Rides start at 10 a.m. and once everyone finishes, there is a Ride Closing Celebration where there will be a mariachi band, food and drinks sold by TxAr House, DJ music, Mexican treats, and more. You can come dressed up and decorate your bikes.
- When: Bike ride starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4
- Where: Shiloh Square and Emma Avenue in Downtown Springdale
- Cost: The after-party is free, all 4 bike ride distances are $25 each. Get tickets here.
Latin Art Organization of Arkansas hosts Northwest Arkansas community for celebration
- What: Celebracion del Dia de Muertos
- When: 12-6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4
- Where: Shiloh Square and Emma Avenue in Downtown Springdale
- Cost: Free and open to the public
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