Day of the Dead altars, also known as ofrendas (offerings), are constructed and adorned to remember, honor and please the dead, are a central symbol of Día de los Muertos.

In the spirit of traditional Día de los Muertos festivities, a community altar will be the centerpiece for the festival, where attendees can leave mementos in honor of their loved ones who have passed. Photographs will be collected and added on the altar each year or can be picked up by 5:00 PM on Sunday, Oct 23.

Our 2022 Día de los Muertos Festival altar was created by Artist Luis Estrada.

Elements of the Altar and their Significance 

Arches: Passageways between life and death

Candles: Light, Faith and Hope

Flowers: Remind us that life does not endure

Traditionally: Cempasuchil - Marigolds - Mano de Leon - Cockscomb - Lions Paw

Incense: Cleans the space of negativity

Traditionally: Copal

Ofrendas: General items for the offerings put on the altar

Water: Life and purity, satisfies the thirst of the spirit

• Remarkable artist demos
• Delicious food
• Fun family activities
• Altar Contest with submissions from the community
• Over a DOZEN cultural performances and live music & entertainment
• Incredible Mercado Market Place with arts & crafts, jewelry, furniture, and MORE+
• Participation in the memories of the deceased with the community altar

Thank you for your interest in participating in the 2023 Día de los Muertos Altar Contest! This invitation is open to the general public until Fri, Sep 22 at 5:00 PM (or until spaces
are filled). English Altar Contest Rules and Guidelines. Spanish Altar Contest Rules and Guidelines.

Due to limited space, a maximum of 20 altar applications will be accepted.

Apply!

Skull Enameling Class

 In this hands-on activity, participants will have the chance to decorate their own copper enamel skull with colorful beads that will be melted and affixed to the skull with fire by lead Jewelry Instructor, Jenny Vaughn. Have fun mixing patterns and creating designs on the white skull to resemble a traditional calavera from Día de Los Muertos! After which you can keep the skull as a pendant or ornament.

Tickets will be available soon.

Please be advised: the main parking lots at Mesa Arts Center will be closed to accommodate the Mercado vendors and the food court for the festival, and street parking will be busy. Nearby parking options are available throughout downtown Mesa. Please review the parking map to find parking options. The Light Rail also offers nearby park and ride options. We recommend parking at the park & ride near Main Street and Mesa Drive and riding the Light Rail to the Main and Center Street stop. Find more Light Rail information here. Please note that the Light Rail ride does have an associated fee.  

Vendor applications are open!

Submission deadline: Tue, Aug 1, 2023 at 11:59 PM Arizona time

Learn more and apply!

¡más información y aplicación aquí!

Volunteer activities include assisting with set-up and clean-up, artist interactives, greeting and directing the public, line monitoring, providing crowd control and assisting with volunteer hospitality.

Volunteers must be 16 years old or older.

Please email volunteers@mesaartscenter.com with any questions!

Mesa Arts Center: Sensory Friendly Spaces for Families with members (both children and adults) with Sensory Processing Disorders and (SPD) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Multi-Sensory Room at Festivals and Major Events

A sensory room is a multi-sensory space to help individuals feel calm, supported, and focused. These spaces are designed to have a calming effect that reduces anxiety and improves focus. Both calming and stimulating items are provided in sensory rooms to help support an individual’s sensory needs in the moment. The sensory room is also a space for families to connect and find an aligned community.

Mesa Arts Center provides designated sensory spaces at all festivals and major events to create a more welcoming, safe, and comfortable Sensory-Friendly Environment to make attending events less overwhelming and more enjoyable for the entire family.

Our sensory room is located on the 2^nd floor of the Studios South Building, see our festival map to locate or ask our information booth for directions.

Mesa Arts Center Sensory Room accommodations include:

• Reduced volume levels and noise-redacting headphones
• Modifications to lighting
• Weighted blankets
• Comfortable seating (pillows, plush rugs)
• Wholesome Snacks (gluten, dairy, and dye free options)
• Tactile games, fidgets, toys, and squishes
• Coloring and drawing station
• An ancillary "calm room" for any child or adult seeking a break from stimulation to regulate their emotions and relax.

Calm Spaces at Mesa Arts Center

A calm space is a quiet room for any child or adult seeking a break from stimulation to regulate their emotions and relax in a low-sensory environment.

Calm Spaces are always available at Mesa Arts Center upon request. To request access to a calm space:

• Please see the house manager in the theater building.
• Please see the receptionist in Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum.
• Please visit the information booth at community events and festivals.
• Please visit the box office.