13th annual Día de los Muertos festival with a Mass, procession of Aztec dancers, ofrenda blessing, monarch butterfly release, mariachi, folkloric dance, food trucks and an artisan market.
St. Mary's Basilica is hosting its 13th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival on Sunday, November 1, from 11 AM to 5 PM. It's a long-running tradition for the parish, and the whole day is built around a community ofrenda where you're invited to place a photo of a loved one. The festival runs from morning through late afternoon, with a mix of music, dance, and food trucks, and it closes with a ceremony.
The day starts with a Día de los Muertos Mass at 11:30 AM, which includes a procession of Aztec dancers, a blessing of the ofrenda, a release of monarch butterflies, and Taps played by American Legion Post 41. After that, the music takes over: Mariachi Continental Azteca plays from 1 to 2 PM, Ballet Folklórico Quetzalli from 2 to 3 PM, and Rhythm Edition from 3 to 5 PM. There's also a car show and an artisan market running alongside the performances.
Between the sets, you'll find food trucks, activities for kids, and the artisan market, with the community ofrenda as the center of it all. The Basilica itself is Phoenix's oldest Catholic church—built in 1881, dedicated in 1915, and designated America's 32nd basilica in 1985, known for its Munich-style stained glass and Mission Revival exterior.
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Admission is free and open to the public, made possible by sponsors Catholic Cemeteries & Funeral Homes, Dignity Health, and Food City. One thing to keep in mind: no lit candles are allowed. You're encouraged to bring a non-perishable food donation for the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank. The festival is at St. Mary's Basilica, 231 N 3rd St, Downtown Phoenix, AZ 85004, on Sunday, November 1, from 11 AM to 5 PM.
