Longmont Hosts Colorado’s Longest-Standing Day of the Dead Celebration

Marking its 22nd anniversary this year, Longmont's annual Día de los Muertos celebration is the longest standing in the state of Colorado. The exhibition at the Longmont Museum and family celebration in Downtown Longmont alone attract more than 6,000 people from across the region each year. Día de los Muertos in Longmont has expanded to a City-wide event. The Longmont Museum partners with dozens of individuals and community organizations with cultural expertise to create an experience for Día de los Muertos that is rooted in respect and authenticity.

In many parts of Mexico, Guatemala and the United States, el Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a time to honor and celebrate deceased loved ones. Community participation is essential to this holiday that is full of life, reflection, food, family and fun. The celebration demonstrates how a diverse community can come together to share a common desire - to honor our ancestors and keep their memories alive.

DAY OF THE DEAD FAMILY CELEBRATION
Saturday, Oct. 8, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.; free
Downtown Longmont at 4th Avenue and Main Street
Like last year, the Day of the Dead Family Celebration will open the season in Downtown Longmont. This street festival will include music and dance performances, art and craft activities, cultural education, delicious food, downtown business altars, and the Firehouse Art Center's Gigantes Procession. Park downtown or take the free shuttle from the Longmont Museum to enjoy all the activities of the day, including the exhibition of community altars at the Museum.

EXHIBITIONS

Día de los Muertos Exhibition at the Longmont Museum
Oct. 8 - Nov. 6; free
400 Quail Rd., Longmont
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. -5 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. -5 p.m., additional evening hours Thursday 5-9 p.m.
The Día de los Muertos exhibition returns to the Longmont Museum's Swan Atrium this fall featuring ofrendas (altars) built by community members and the work of local artist Marcelo Fernandez.

Día de los Muertos Exhibition at the Firehouse Art Center
Oct. 8 - Nov. 6; free
Oct. 14- Opening Reception, Film Screening and Mexican Handcraft Workshops, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
667 4th Ave., Longmont
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday Noon-5 p.m.
The Firehouse hosts community-made Catrina paintings alongside work from emerging local artists celebrating American diversity in language and culture from a range of creative perspectives. Main Gallery: "Catrinas on Parade," South Gallery: "Escúchame," featuring Jamie Chihuan and Adriana Paola Palacios Luna.

Self-guided Downtown Business Altar Tours
Oct. 8-Nov. 4
Downtown Longmont businesses will once again host ofrendas to honor the tradition of the holiday and commemorate those who have passed on. On Saturday, Oct. 8, Downtown Longmont businesses will unveil their ofrenda displays. Maps for self-guided tours of all business altar locations will be available at downtown businesses and at the Longmont Downtown Development Authority office at 320 Main St. Ofrendas will be on display through Friday, Nov. 4

OTHER LONGMONT DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS EVENTS

Firehouse Art Center's Catrina Ball
Friday, October 28 7 p.m.- 10 p.m.;
$15 pre-purchase, $20 at the door
380 Main St., Longmont
Honor your loved ones with song, laughter, dancing and revelry in Downtown Longmont! We are transforming the space formerly known as Breakers Grill into a candle lit, flower-filled explosion of color. Come dressed as a Catrina or Catrin and compete in the Catrina Contest or get your face painted at the event and get ready to dance, dance, dance! Tickets at firehouseart.org/catrinaball.

Noche de Museo: Celebrating Day of the Dead
A Multigenerational Evening of Music & Dance at the Longmont Museum
Saturday, October 29, 7 p.m.;
$10 general admission, $8 students/seniors, $5 Museum members
400 Quail Rd., Longmont
The Museum's Stewart Auditorium comes alive with musicians, singers and dancers of all ages for an evening in celebration of Día de los Muertos. Mariachi groups and other performers from local schools join up with seasoned professionals to sing and dance to traditional Mexican song. Tickets at longmontmuseum.org.

DIGITAL DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
LongmontDayoftheDead.com (English)
LongmontDiadelosMuertos.com (Español)
Get the most out of your home celebration with Digital Día de los Muertos! Topics include history, how to build an altar, music, arts and crafts, and food and drinks. Available in English or Spanish, visit Longmont's Day of the Dead websites for thematic content highlighting the origins and traditions that make Day of the Dead a meaningful holiday.

Día de los Muertos in Longmont is presented by Elevations Credit Union. A special thanks to the other supporters who make these events possible: The City of Longmont, The National Endowment for the Arts & Humanities, Visit Longmont, The Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, NextLight, The Community Foundation Serving Boulder County, The Longmont Community Foundation, The Mexican Cultural Center, The Consulate General of Mexico, The Longmont Multicultural Action Committee, The Boulder County Commissioner's Diversity Fund, the Boulder County Arts Alliance, and Longmont Sister Cities.

About the Museum
The Longmont Museum is a center for culture in Northern Colorado where people of all ages explore history, experience art and discover new ideas through dynamic programs, exhibitions and events. Learn more at www.longmontmuseum.org.

About the Firehouse Art Center
Founded in 1986 the mission of the Firehouse Art Center is to inspire cultural awareness and human connection by providing life enhancing experiences through art exhibitions, art education and cultural events. Learn more at www.firehouseart.org.

About LDDA
The Longmont Downtown Development Authority (LDDA) works to develop, support, and promote a vital and valuable Downtown Longmont. Through strategic development and programs, the LDDA makes downtown appealing to businesses, residents, and visitors. Visit www.downtownlongmont.com to learn more.

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