Celebrate Día de Muertos in Las Vegas

The community gets together to celebrate and honor culture and traditions on this Día de Muertos weekend with festivals and family events.

Día de Muertos was first practiced thousands of years ago by indigenous peoples in what’s now Mexico — they didn’t consider death the end of one’s existence but simply another chapter of life. The holiday then evolved after Spanish colonization and now millions of people, including myself, celebrate it. We build ofrendas, or altars, at home with photos of loved ones who have passed, food and fruits, water and coffee, candles, copal incense and cempasúchil flowers.

Between Oct. 31 and Nov. 2, it is believed the dead leave the spirit realm and visit their loved ones in the mortal world, and the ofrendas help them know where to go. The holiday is meant for reflection and remembrance to keep loved ones’ memories and souls “alive,” but colorful, lively, and skull-filled events are part of it, too. 

Here are some community events you can join to be part of the celebration:

23rd Annual Life in Death Festival

The Life in Death Festival is being held Nov. 1 and 2 at the Winchester Dondero Cultural Center, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. both days. 

This annual festival features performances on stage, an art exhibit, large ofrendas on display, children crafting classes, artisan sales, and food vendors. Admission to the festival is free.

Día de los Muertos at the East Las Vegas Library

In partnership with Chicanos Por La Causa, a nonprofit focused on the betterment of the Latino community, the East Las Vegas Library is holding a Day of the Dead celebration on Nov. 2 starting at 11 a.m.  

There will be crafts for all ages, a community ofrenda, a car show, mural painting, and live music and dancing.

City Of Las Vegas Celebrates Día De Los Muertos 

The city of Las Vegas is having two free family festivals in honor of Día de Los Muertos on Nov. 2.

The annual festival at Lorenzi Park will be held from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., offering live entertainment, artisan and food vendors, children’s activities, face painting, and a display of ofrendas created by community organizations. The park’s plaza offers lawn seating, so make sure to bring blankets and low-back chairs.

The Día de Los Muertos Family Fiesta is being held from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Pop Squires Park. Families can browse local vendors and small businesses, and watch the movie Coco.