Dia de los Muertos is a time of remembrance and celebration— to reunite with those who have passed on. 

One popular Valley location—the Desert Botanical Garden, has been hosting the observance of Dia de los Muertos for more than a decade and is doing so again this weekend, Nov. 4 & 5 from 12- 6 p.m.  

The Desert Botanical Garden allows free entry with general admission and all proceeds support the Botanical Garden whose efforts go to research and the conservation of the Sonoran Desert.  

With the pandemic shutting down events nationwide, Dia de los Muertos was canceled until last year, which was their big return.  

Former event producer of Dia de los Muertos, Carmen Guerrero, had been part of the event since 2004.  

“When the pandemic hit things changed, but we were there for 16 years. We loved it there, it was beautiful,” Guerrero said. 

There are four pillars the Botanical Garden follows: education, exhibition, research, and conservation. These pillars are what make the garden important to Phoenix as they use their public space for the betterment of the local environment and community. 

This year’s main spectacle is La Catrina. A caricature most likely made in 1912, by Jose Guadalupe Posada, a political illustrator from Mexico. Over time, many artists created their own renditions of La Catrina, such as Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. Eventually, La Catrina became associated with Dia De Los Muertos.  

Each year the Botanical Gardens displays a community ofrenda, or alter, where people can bring in food or photos of deceased relatives to honor their life—an ancient tradition traced back to the indigenous roots of Mexico. A bust of La Catrina will be the centerpiece of the ofrenda, which will be surrounded by various vignettes of artists, portraits of the founders, and photos of community members. 

The ofrenda is open to everyone and guests are encouraged to bring offerings. 

This particular event is seen as,  “an emotional and significant feeling when honoring the dead,” said Laura Best, the Senior Director of Exhibits.  

The day is filled with many performances and vendors for guests to enjoy. There are face painters, storytelling, food trucks and a market of artisans where people can view and purchase the works of local artists. 

At sunset, there will be a procession of dancers walking toward Sunset Plaza, closing the day with a final performance.