This post was originally published on this site.
Old Town Albuquerque will once again become a vibrant tapestry of remembrance as the Historic Old Town Association presents the third annual Día de los Muertos in Old Town, running from Saturday, Oct. 25 through Sunday, Nov. 2.
This immersive weeklong event honors the lives of those who have passed through art, culture and community. Marigolds will bloom along vigas, lanterns and walkways in the event’s signature “Marigold Mile.”
“We strongly believe that Old Town should be a gathering place for locals. It has been for hundreds of years,” says Sara Mancini, chair of the Events Committee for the Historic Old Town Association. “It’s important to us to create events that are not only festive but culturally significant.”
At the heart of the celebration is the Old Town Community Ofrenda, built by students from San Felipe de Neri Catholic School and Escuela del Sol Montessori. This public altar invites community members to contribute photos, mementos and candles in a collective act of remembrance.
Beyond the gazebo, the event activates all corners of Old Town with hidden vendor ofrendas, performances and art installations.
“One of our goals is to encourage people to explore all of Old Town, not just the gazebo. We want locals to rediscover the Old Town in a new way,” says Mancini.
A highlight of the celebration is the growing display of monumental sculptures from local artist collective JOMO, including towering versions of La Catrina, the Tree of Life, and a new Xolo Dog, a symbol of spiritual guidance in Aztec mythology.
This year introduces several exciting additions, including a Curandero blessing of the ofrendas by Dr. Mario Del Ángel Guevara from UNM’s Traditional Medicine Program. Visitors can also look forward to more community-built ofrendas in the Plaza de los Recuerdos, adding new layers of personal storytelling.
For those seeking deeper understanding, AbqTours offers a guided walking tour through Old Town that explores the roots of Día de los Muertos and its evolution in New Mexico.
“We share folklore passed down through generations and give guests a starter kit for building their own ofrenda,” says Misty Lundy, manager of AbqTours. “It’s a fun, festive and meaningful way to connect with the spirit of the season.”
Saturday, Oct. 25 is designated Family Day, with a screening of Pixar’s Coco in the San Felipe Church courtyard and glowing globitos (Model RC Hot Air Balloons) lighting the night with wonder.
The celebration reaches its peak on Saturday, Nov. 1, with vibrant performances by Aztec dancers and matachines, followed by the Catrina Procession, a lively parade led by a lowrider and filled with elaborately dressed figures in festive attire.
One of this year’s most anticipated moments is a Ballet Folklorico flash mob performing the hauntingly beautiful “La Bruja.”
“It’s rare for all the different flamenco organizations in Albuquerque to come together,” says Mancini. “This flash mob is one of those special moments where a dancer’s dream becomes a collective celebration.”
On Sunday, Nov. 2, the event closes with a candlelit procession through the Plaza de los Recuerdos. Visitors are invited to reflect, mourn and celebrate the lives that continue to shape the community.
Come with an open heart and leave with it full.
Full schedules, maps and updates can be found at albuquerqueoldtown.com
Week of the Dead is a story from The Paper.. Publishing from New Mexico’s largest city, The Paper is your source for local, independent news, covering politics, arts, culture, and events.
