Día de los Muertos at the Phoenix Zoo

Phoenix Zoo is hosting Día de los Muertos on Sunday, November 1, from 9 AM to 1 PM. It's a celebration of life and remembrance, and it takes over a good stretch of the grounds: the Neely Education & Event Center, the Stone House Pavilion, Lakeside, and the Enchanted Terrace.

If you're not familiar, Día de los Muertos is a Mexican tradition that honors loved ones who've passed. It's a celebration built on the idea of the lasting bond between the living and the dead, and it's usually observed on November 1 (Día de los Angelitos), when children are remembered, and November 2 (Día de los Difuntos), when adults are honored. The full tradition runs from October 27 through November 3. At the center of it are the ofrendas—altars dressed with photographs, candles, marigolds, favorite foods, and personal mementos, alongside seasonal symbols like cempasúchil, sugar skulls, papel picado, pan de muerto, and catrinas.

The zoo adds its own layer to the day. There are Spanish-speaking cruiser rides, face painting, and arts and crafts. There's also an art sale by local collector and zoo friend Joe Raymond Collections, with the proceeds going toward animal care.

The music and dance are a huge part of the program. You'll see performances by Ballet Folklórico Amistad, Primavera Dance Company, Mi Lindo Sinaloa Folklórico Dance, Colorado Dance Company, Santa Maria Folklórico Ballet, Valley of the Sun Folklórico Ballet, and Valle de Sol Folklórico Ballet. Mariachi Pasión, Mariachi Charm AZ, and Mariachi Hermanas del Corazón will be playing, with live music from Radio Campesina and Entravision (KLNZ-FM) throughout the day. Admission is included with general zoo admission or membership, so if you're already a member, you're set.