City of Longmont, Colorado
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People of all cultures honor the memories of their ancestors. In many parts of Mexico, South America, and the United States, El Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a time to honor and celebrate deceased loved ones. Community participation is an essential part of this holiday that is full of life, reflection, food, family and fun.
Longmont’s annual Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration is the Longmont Museum’s signature event and the largest Day of the Dead celebration in Colorado, attracting more than 6,000 people to the exhibit, family event and related programming. The celebration demonstrates how a diverse community can come together to share a common desire – to honor our ancestors and keep their memories alive.
Dia de los Muertos Exhibition
October 14 – November 7, free admission
The Dia de los Muertos exhibition will be in the Museum’s Swan Atrium – a two-story space full of light – and will showcase traditional gigantes, giant puppets made by local artists. Altars for the dead, created by members of the community, will also be a central part of the exhibit.
Opening reception
Friday, October 13, 6-9 pm, free admission
Deluxe nacho bar courtesy of Cyclhops Mexican Cantina. Cash bar.
Curator Conversations
Tuesdays, October 17 and 24, free admissionJoin a Longmont Museum Curator for a guided tour of the exhibition.
Bilingual Tours
Saturdays, October 14, 21, and 28, 1 pm and 2:30 pm, free admissionEnjoy a free tour of the exhibition with bilingual tour guide Laura Zavala. Laura will tell you about the ancient Mayan and Aztec origins of the celebration, how it blended with Spanish Catholic traditions, and how it became a part of our local culture here in Longmont.
Day of the Dead Family Celebration
Saturday, November 4, 11 am - 3 pm, free admission
Join in the fun and enjoy live music and dancing, sugar skull decorating, traditional food, community altars, paper flower making, face painting, Lady Catrina, and more! Come dressed in your finest calaca (skeleton) apparel.
Day of the Dead Programs
Gigantes Building Workshop
October 7, 14, and 21, 3 – 5 pm, ages 7 – 12, $120 (494314)
Get ready for Día de los Muertos by creating gigantes (giant puppet figures) to welcome our loved ones at the Day
of the Dead parade (November 3 in downtown Longmont). Over three classes, participants will build their own gigante from paper mache, paint, and fabric while learning about the traditions of the holiday. Register online
Guided Trolley Tour of Día de los Muertos around Longmont
October 13, trolley tours depart at 5, 6, and 7 pm
$5 advance, $8 night of tour, tickets on Downtown Longmont website
Hop on the trolley for a guided tour of Día de los Muertos Longmont style! Your tour guide will share the history, traditions, and local adaptation of this Central American holiday that is spreading worldwide. You will visit the Longmont
Museum and other downtown locations.
Death & Remembrance: A Conversation for the Whole Family
October 14, 3 – 5 pm, ages 7+, free (494316)
We all have deep thoughts that deserve to be heard, even when it comes to difficult topics. Presented by Grey Havens Group, Inc., join us for a group discussion about the meaning of death—and life! Register online
Sugar Skull Making Day
October 29, 1 – 4 pm, free
Drop in to this family-friendly event and learn to make sugar skulls. You will help make sugar skulls that will be decorated during the November 4 Family Celebration. Children will need adult assistance. We will begin making sugar skulls at 1 pm and continue until the sugar runs out!
Day of the Dead-themed Art & Sip classes
Find them on the Adult Programs page!
Thanks to our sponsors who make these events possible!