How to celebrate Día de los Muertos in Denver

State of play: Numerous related events are scheduled in Denver this weekend and beyond for a holiday now fully mainstream in the U.S.

• Día de Muertos First Friday art walk and procession will be hosted by the Art District on Santa Fe. (Nov. 7)
• Catrinas en Mi Ciudad, an outdoor art exhibit, is viewable at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. (Oct. 31-Nov. 2)
• Genesis Art Gallery in Lakewood will host an opening reception for Leyendas De Mis Abuelos, an exhibit with works from papier-mâché artist Carlos Lecanda. (Nov. 7)
• La Llorona Festival 2025 at Hadley Branch Library will focus on storytelling about the legendary ghostly figure. (Nov. 1)
• Muertos en Westwood Street Festival will be a three-day festival with dance, music, food and art installations on Morrison Road. (Nov. 7-9)

Context: Día de los Muertos dates back centuries to pre-Hispanic cultures, blending Indigenous, African and Catholic traditions. It has become one of the most significant and multicultural celebrations in Latin America.

• Multi-tiered ofrendas are often adorned with colorful tapestries, photos of the deceased, cempasúchils (marigolds) and the ancestor's cherished items and favorite foods — anything that recalls their essence.