Email this page  Print this page  del.icio.us  digg

Calaca Calendar

This year’s batch of Dia de los Muertos celebrations

This year’s batch of Dia de los Muertos celebrations reflect the tradition’s expanding popularity among mainstream venues.

Unfortunately, some local civic budget constraints are biting into two of the oldest original events. Both Calaca Cultural Center and Xicanindio Artes, Inc., are feeling the loss of grants from Mesa’s coffer. At press time both were still scrambling to ensure festival spaces.

"There’s no bending of any fees for us or other nonprofits like there used to be," says Xicanindio Executive Director Donna M. Valdés. "I’ll be honest, I’m scrambling now. They’re (Mesa) fighting for every dollar they can get for what they feel they need to operate. We have to become more creative."

Both associations ask festival-goers to continue to check their respective Web sites for updates.

Check other galleries’ Web sites for events scheduled during Dia de los Muertos, including Phoenix stores Sueños Latin American Imports (www.dayofthedeadmercado.com), The Paper Heart Gallery (www.thepaperheart.com) or Aztlan Artifacts Gallery (www.aztlanartifacts.com) in Tucson.

OCT. 20 – NOV. 4

Approximately 15 local artists display hand-built altars and ofrendas. Artists’ reception (7-9 p.m. Oct. 20) features bands Barrio Latino and Nosotrosound. Viewing hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon. – Fri.; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat. Vision Gallery, 80 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler. Free artists’ reception. Info: visit www.visiongallery.org or call (480) 917-6859.

OCT. 26 – JAN. 15

Seventh annual Dia de los Muertos Festival, !Transcending Borders!, is presented at the ASU Museum of Anthropology. Altars made by local artists are displayed. The exhibition is a collaboration between the museum, the ASU Chicana/o Studies Department, the Calaca Cultural Center and the community. For info: visit www.asu.edu/clas/shesc/asuma or call the museum (480) 965-6224.

OCT. 27 – NOV. 19

Artist reception is scheduled 6 to 9 p.m. Celebration incorporates Mexican altars tradition. Artists and community members can participate. Presented by the Calaca Cultural Center. For specific venue info: visit www.calaca.org or call (480) 557-7195.

OCT. 28 – 29

Celebrate Día de los Muertos with delicious Mexican food, a ballet folklorico, mariachis and calacas. Fun family activities include creating paper flowers or papél picado. Local Latino artists will demonstrate and sell art and curios in the Garden’s Mercado. Hours: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. Info: visit www.dbg.org or call (480) 941-1225.

OCT. 29 – 30

Celebraciónes de la Gente, presented by the Museum of Northern Arizona, features altars created by pioneer Flagstaff families, in partnership with Nuestras Raices. Enjoy special nighttime viewing, with music, hands-on demos, fire dancing and tinwork artistry. Museum is located at 3101 N. Fort Valley Road, Flagstaff. Admission: $5 adults; $4 seniors; $3 students; $2 children. Info: visit www.musnaz.org or call (928)-774-5213.

OCT. 29

Día de los Muertos/Circle of Life Exhibition will be presented from noon to 5 p.m. at Global Arts Gallery, 315 McKeown Ave., Patagonia. This Patagonia gallery is three hours southeast of Phoenix. Owner Adrienne encourages guests to bring disposable photos, candles, sweets and memorabilia of departed loved ones – both two- and four-legged. Event with refreshments is free. Info: e-mail Adrienne@globalartsgallery.com or call (520)-394-0077.

OCT. 31

Annual free event features music, cajita displays and information about Día de los Muertos. Refreshments provided. Hours: noon to 1 p.m. Presented at ASU West’s Delph Courtyard, University Center Building, 4701 W. Thunderbird Road, Phoenix. Info: (602) 543-8530.

OCT. 31 – NOV. 9

Annual exhibition of traditional and not-so-traditional ofrendas, created by local artists. Artists’ reception is scheduled 7 to 10 p.m. Nov. 3. Viewing hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Mon.-Thurs.; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; noon-6 p.m.Sun. Showing in the Central Gallery, Burton Barr Central Library 1221 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. Gallery and reception are free. (602) 256-3521.

NOV. 5

Xicanindio Artes’ Dia de los Muertos Festival at Mesa’s Pioneer Park, is scheduled to run from 2 p.m. to dusk. The original Dia de los Muertos festival in the Valley, this event entertainment and showcases local performers. For more info: e-mail xicanindio@xicanindio.com or call (480) 833-5875.