Día de Muertos, aka Day of the Dead, aka the Americanized name Día de los Muertos, can trace its origins back centuries in Mexico, but the cultural celebration has been growing in popularity in the United States. That’s true in Colorado Springs where there is an increasing variety of celebrations to remember the dead and honor their lives.
No, Day of the Dead is not Halloween, and it’s different than All Saint’s Day, though it does fall at the same time of year on Nov. 1 and 2. The tradition got started in colonial Mexico as people blended the Catholic traditions of the Spanish with their own customs and beliefs about death, ancestors and the afterlife. Some of those traditions date far back to the Aztecs. The resulting Day of the Dead grew into a celebratory time to remember loved ones, and it is believed that their spirits return to visit the living this time of year. That’s why families create ofrendas for Dia de Muertos, altars and shrines decorated with the departed’s photos and favorite foods, flowers, candles and more as part of the joyful remembrance.
You don’t have to be Hispanic to celebrate Dia de Muertos. Whether you want to experience a traditional cultural celebration or a culturally fused spinoff, you have lots of options this year. Here’s where to find some of the leading Day of the Dead celebrations happening around Colorado Springs.
Dia de Muertos Celebrations at the Fine Arts Center
Nov. 1-2
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College
This is the largest Día de Muertos celebration in the Springs. The Fine Arts Center will transform into a colorful gathering space filled with community ofrendas, live performances and hands-on art activities for the whole family. The weekend event is free. And visitors are invited to learn about the cultural significance of Día de Muertos while celebrating life together and remembering loved ones who have passed.
“Día de Muertos is a celebration of love, remembrance and cultural pride,” says Moni Hernandez, bilingual spokesperson for the event. “Over the past four years, I’ve had the honor of being part of this event and witnessing it blossom — from hundreds of attendees the first year to more than 3,200 last year. It’s become the Fine Arts Center’s largest annual celebration, and a true reflection of how art and tradition can bring our community together.”
Event highlights include:
Community Ofrenda
Visitors can contribute nonreturnable items such as candles, photos or flowers to a community ofrenda inside Taste. The ofrenda includes an installation by artist Cal Duran, as well as objects from the museum’s permanent collection. Schools and community groups also will display altars to honor loved ones who have passed.
Live Music and Dance
Experience traditional folklorico performances by Ballet Folklorico de Barajas as well as Ritmo y Sabor Hispano, a student dance group from Harrison High School. Local band Mando Efectivo and the CC Music Department’s student group, Mariachi Tigre, will bring the celebration to life on both days with live mariachi music.
Family Art Activities and Costume Parade
Children and adults can decorate sugar skulls, paint masks for the children’s costume parade, make buttons and more.
Bilingual Children’s Theatre Show
Raquel’s Purple Pineapple Adventures on Second Stage performed by Creede Repertory Theatre (tickets start at $18).
Mercado
Artisans will sell their handmade and crafted wares at a cultural market.
Food Vendors
Enjoy authentic cuisine for purchase from local favorites, including Las Americas and Kathia’s Desserts.
Get all the details at fac.coloradocollege.edu.
Earlier in the week, you can catch the related Spirits of the Night Tequila and Food Tasting. The curated tasting pairs small bites with five unique spirits: four tequilas and a mezcal. That happens Thursday, Oct. 30 at 6 p.m.
Día de los Muertos with the Philharmonic
Nov. 1-2
Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts
Viva la Vida! The Colorado Springs Philharmonic partners with the Mexican Cultural Center for musical performances to honor loved ones with the sounds and culture of Mexico. Argentinian conductor Michelle Di Russo will lead the symphony. The Denver-based ArtistiCO Dance Company will perform cultural dances. Mariachi Sol de mi Tierra will add traditional mariachi music to the mix. And breakout singer Arrari will add vocals to the evening. It’s a special concert for all generations.
Día de Muertos at Stompin’ Groundz
Nov. 1-2
Stompin’ Groundz
Stop by Stompin’ Groundz all weekend to honor those who came before us and remember the love, lessons and light that shape us. You can add a photo or note to the community ofrenda. Create with the Art Club at 1 p.m. on Saturday. Share a poem, song or story during the Open Mic at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Or just enjoy food and drink specials all weekend.
Silent Disco: Dia de Muertos
Nov. 1
COATI Uprise
COATI is turning up the afterlife this weekend. Put on your Day of the Dead costume. Choose your channel of chaos spun by Discreet Beats. And enjoy $10 Blood Bag cocktails.
Day of the Dead Sound Bath
Nov. 1
Singing Bowls of the Rockies
“When the veil between worlds grows thin, sound becomes the vessel of remembrance. On this night, we gather not merely to listen, but to drift into resonance — into that liminal space where memory hums and the air itself seems to breathe,” reads Singing Bowls of the Rockies’ description of this meditative experience. Sip ceremonial-grade cacao from Guatemala, and enter this aural offering to both life and death.
Day of the Dead Party at Kinfolks
Nov. 1
Kinfolks
Rock and roll at this favorite Manitou watering hole with live music by Back Stage People, Teri Senior and Sean Thomas Gill. You can get your face painted with sugar skull makeup on-site to truly embrace the spirit of the evening.
Noche de los Muertos
Nov. 7
Rockledge House at Smokebrush Farm, Manitou Springs
The Smokebrush Foundation for the Arts has been hosting its annual Day of the Dead celebration for 13 years. It’s a vibrant gathering to celebrate the memories of loved ones with live music, dancing, reverent ofrendas and an explosion of colorful costumes. Expect a beautiful candlelit ceremony. Moonhoney will play live music, and there will be a DJ set by El Salvaje.
