Día de los Muertos in Santa Fe: Traditions, Events, and Shopping Highlights
Día de los Muertos, celebrated November 1–2, originated in Mexico and has grown popular in New Mexico. Families and friends gather to honor deceased loved ones through prayer, remembrance, and support for their spiritual journey.
Día de los Muertos allows the departed to return home, enjoy favorite foods, and hear cherished music. (Photo: TOURISM Santa Fe)
Key traditions include crafting private altars (ofrendas) adorned with sugar skulls, marigolds, and the deceased's favorite foods and drinks, plus visiting graves with these offerings.
Día de los Muertos traditions have entered U.S. mainstream culture, appealing to all ages. (Photo courtesy of TOURISM Santa Fe)
Whether you're a longtime participant or discovering it anew, Santa Fe offers vibrant events celebrating this rich cultural tradition.
Día de los Muertos Events in Santa Fe
Celebrations occur citywide each fall. Highlights from 2018 include:
Skull painting is a beloved art form in Santa Fe. (Photo: TOURISM Santa Fe)
The Museum of International Folk Art hosted “Celebrate Día de los Muertos” on Sunday, October 28, 2018, at Museum Hill. Activities included decorating sugar skulls, crafting picture frames, and contributing to a community altar with flowers, candles, or mementos. Enjoy traditional treats like pan de muerto, skeleton face painting, and Día de los Muertos items in the museum shop.
Bring your family to learn sugar skull artistry. (Photo courtesy of Museum of International Folk Art)
The Poeh Cultural Center opened its 10th annual Día de los Muertos Exhibit on October 26, 2018, showcasing works by established and emerging New Mexico Hispanic and Native American artists in jewelry, painting, sculpture, and photography.
Teatro Paraguas presented its 5th Annual Día de los Muertos Community Celebration November 2–4, 2018, featuring live music, puppet plays, staged cuentos (folk tales), songs from the movie Coco, and classic comedy. An altar in the lobby honored ancestors; the public could add photos and mementos.
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Meow Wolf hosted a Día de los Muertos celebration on Friday, November 2, 2018, with live music headlined by local favorites Nosotros. Tickets were $15 in advance or $18 at the door.
Día de los Muertos Shopping in Santa Fe
No visit is complete without Doodlets' Día de los Muertos treasures. (Photo courtesy of Doodlets)
In central Santa Fe, Doodlets captivates with enchantment, whimsy, and joy—especially during Día de los Muertos.
Day of the Dead figurines often depict everyday life, reminding us of our earthly time. (Photo courtesy of TOURISM Santa Fe)
Yippee-Yi-Yo, near the historic Santa Fe Plaza on E. San Francisco Street, offers colorful muertitos figurines, decorated skulls, and popular Catrina figures.
Find unique Día de los Muertos gifts at Ortega’s. (Photo: TOURISM Santa Fe)
Ortega's on the Plaza features sterling silver Día de los Muertos jewelry by artists Shane Casis, Gregory Segura, and Tom Dewitt.
Experience Día de los Muertos culture in Santa Fe without traveling to Mexico. Plan your visit with the official Santa Fe Travel Guide!
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