Make your own magical creature (alebrije) at this year’s Dia de los Muertos Festival

October 18, 2019

At the ever-growing Dia de los Muertos Festival held annually at Mesa Arts Center, the vibrant and colorful visual features of the event are one of the many things that make it so memorable. This year’s event is no exception, with a large-scale alebrije (think mythical mashup of legged and winged animals in multicolor patterns that you might see in a dream) and workshops to create your own (small) magical creature. This fantastic creature will be 8-10 feet in height and will feature elements and symbols both from the native cultures of Mexico and Arizona.

Thanks to a collaboration with the Consulate General of Mexico and the Dia de los Muertos planning committee, cartoneros Óscar Becerra and Rubén Castillo “Mica ” are currently in Mesa Arts Center’s multipurpose room constructing the one-of-a-kind, large-scale alebrije. You can see it come to life by visiting the Mesa Arts Center during the week of Oct. 21 to observe the artists at work. Better yet, make your own version in one of the workshops offered during the festival. Learn more and pre-register, here.

From the large-scale community altar, to the delicious popsicles from Paletas Betty, you’re sure to find or make a treasured memory in the spirit of Day of the Dead at the festival. This year's event is Saturday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 27, noon-5 p.m. Entertainment is different from day to day and the campus will be filled with mercado vendors with the most unique Day of the Dead items. See you there?

www.mesaartscenter.com/diadelosmuertos