October 5 to November 4, 2012
 People of all cultures honor the memories of their ancestors. In many parts of Mexico, South America, 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 an essential part of this holiday that is full of life, reflection, food, family, and fun.
Colorado’s largest Day of the Dead celebration!
 Longmont’s annual Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration is the Longmont Museum’s signature event and the largest Day of the Dead celebration in Colorado, attracting more than 6,000 people to the exhibit, family event, and related programming. Celebrating our 12th anniversary this year, the celebration demonstrates how a diverse community can come together to share a common desire – to honor our ancestors and keep their memories alive.
Community Altars 
A key part of the celebration is preparing an altar, where photographs, favorite foods, and personal mementos of deceased loved ones are arranged. Altars often are displayed in the home and at the cemetery. Skeletons and skulls made of sugar, bread, ceramics or papier-mâché provide final touches. Neither expense nor effort is spared.
Programs and Events
Exhibition Opening Fiesta
Thursday, October 4, 7 to 9 pm
Longmont Museum & Cultural Center, 400 Quail Road
Admission $5, members free
In collaboration with the Consulate General of Mexico and the Mexican Cultural Center of Denver. Join special guests Sr. Consul General Andres Chao Ebergenyi, Consulate General of Mexico, Denver, and Longmont Mayor Dennis Coombs for an evening of food, drink, and entertainment.
Curator Conversations
Tuesdays, October 9 to 30
Longmont Museum & Cultural Center, 400 Quail Road
Free admission
Jill Orr, the Longmont Museum’s Curator of Education, gives a tour of the exhibition every Tuesday at noon.
Consulate General of Mexico’s and Mexican Cultural Center Día de los Muertos Celebration
October 16 through November 5
5350 Leetsdale Drive, Suite 200, Denver, 303-331-1110, ext. 111.
Free admission
Drop by the Consulate General of Mexico in Denver and the Mexican Cultural Center to visit their display of altars. Public opening reception, October 16, 5:30 pm.
Dancing Skeletons! for ages 7 - 10
Saturday, October 13, 10 am to 11:30 pm
Longmont Museum & Cultural Center, 400 Quail Road
$10 Friends of the Longmont Museum members, $15 nonmembers
Preregistration required. Call 303-651-8374.
Discover how skeletons are a lively and fun part of Day of the Dead celebrations. Create your own dancing skeleton puppet to take home. Taught by artists Rita Flores de Wallace and Julie Marino.
Volunteer Sugar Skull Making Day
Sunday, October 14, 1 to 4:30 pm
Longmont Museum & Cultural Center, 400 Quail Road
Free admission
Drop in to help make sugar skulls for the October 27 event! Groups of 8 or more, please call 303-651-8723 ahead of time. Young children will require adult assistance.
Kids Ofrenda Workshop
Sunday October 21, 1 to 2:30 pm (ages 5 - 9) and 3 to 4:30 pm (ages 10 - 12)
Firehouse Art Center, 667 4th Avenue 303-651-2787
$10 Firehouse members, $15 nonmembers
Preregistration required at 303-651-2787 or Education@FirehouseArt.org.
Kids create an ofrenda (altar) to be displayed in the Firehouse as part of the Longmont community Day of the Dead celebration. They should bring copies of photographs of deceased friends or family members to whom their altars will be dedicated. All other supplies provided by the Firehouse Art Center.
Skull Masks for ages 3 and older
Monday, October 22, 6 to 8 pm
Longmont Public Library, 409 4th Avenue, 303-651-8477
Free admission
Make and decorate your own paper skull mask in this popular program!
Día de los Muertos Family Celebration
Saturday, October 27, 10 am to 5 pm
Longmont Museum & Cultural Center, 400 Quail Road
Free admission
Live entertainment, sugar skull decorating, traditional food, community altars, new exhibit displays, paper flower making, Día de los Muertos face painting, and Lady Catrina. Come dressed in your finest “calaca” (skeleton) apparel!
Event Entertainment:
10:30 – 11:00 am Canciones de Mi Tierra and Coro San Juan Singers
11:00 -11:45 am Grupo Tláloc Azteca - CANCELLED
Noon – 1:00 pm Mariachi Vasquez
1:15 – 2:00 pm Fiesta Colorado Dance Company
2:15 - 2:45 pm Nuhucalli
3:00 – 4:00 pm Los Latineerz band
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