Celebrate Día de los Muertos in Santa Fe: Vibrant Events, Altars, and Shopping
Día de los Muertos, celebrated November 1–2 in central and southern Mexico, has been warmly embraced by Santa Fe residents and visitors. This cherished holiday brings family and friends together to honor departed loved ones through prayer, remembrance, and support for their spiritual journey.
Key traditions include creating private altars known as ofrendas, crafting sugar skulls, arranging marigolds, and offering the favorite foods and beverages of the deceased. Gravesites are also visited with these meaningful gifts.
Whether you're a longtime participant or new to the tradition, Santa Fe offers numerous events and businesses to immerse you in this rich cultural celebration.
Experience Día de los Muertos Events
Celebrations unfold across the city. Here are standout events to attend, participate in, and enjoy.
Day of the Dead Events on November 1
El Museo Cultural de Santa Fe presents “Vivos Entre Los Muertos,” honoring ancestors, families, Earth, and memory on November 1–2 and 8. Enjoy altars, shrines, food, music, and more. Call 992-0591 for details. Located at 555 Camino de la Familia.
The Day of the Dead altars at El Museo are creative and inspiring.
Gerard’s House features live music, dancing, kids' art projects, New Mexican food, and hot cocoa. Bring a photo or message for the altar or prayer wall. Performances by the Santa Fe Symphony and Wise Fool. Free event from 4:00–6:30 p.m. Located at 3204 Mercantile Court; 424-1800.
Traveler’s Market offers traditional refreshments 5–7 p.m. on November 2, plus a Day of the Dead folk art exhibition and sale on November 1 from 4–6 p.m.
Teatro Paraguas, Santa Fe Danceworks, and La Cocina de Balam host the Second Annual Day of the Dead Event with dances, Spanish poetry, live music, a procession, and an ancestral altar. $7–$10; 1:00–9:00 p.m. Call 424-1601. Located at 3205 Calle Marie.
A Santa Fe highlight, the Museum of International Folk Art hosts “Celebrate Día de los Muertos” at Museum Hill. Decorate sugar skulls, craft picture frames, and bring a loved one's photo. Sample pan de muerto, enjoy music by Las Flores del Valle, and watch performances by Los Niños de Santa Fe. Face painting available. Included with museum admission (free for NM residents Sundays and youth 16 and under).
Children participate in sugar skull decorating at the Museum of International Folk Art.
Try painting a ceramic skull at The Inn and Spa at Loretto. Artist Lori Snable leads a mini-workshop 4–6 p.m. in the Living Room. $30 (acrylic) or $45 (ceramic with firing); limited to 20. Full menu available. Free valet with purchase.
Artists Stacey Sullivan de Maldonado, Pamela Joy TrowJohnson, John Lorenzen, and Larry Montoya exhibit in “Una Colaboración Día de los Muertos.” Receptions: October 30, 31, and November 2 at 4 p.m., with Tarot readings by Teresa Befin. At Liquid Outpost Coffee House and Gallery, 211 Old Santa Fe Trail.
Day of the Dead Shopping Experience
Alla Bookstore boasts the largest U.S. collection of Spanish-language titles, including Día de los Muertos books. 102 West San Francisco, 2nd floor; 505-988-5416.
Jim Dunlap of Alla Bookstore with some of his Day of the Dead books for sale.
¡Mira! offers Día de los Muertos skulls and ephemera. 101 West Marcy; 505-988-3585.
The Mira! window display showcases its Día de los Muertos folk art.
Yippee Yi Yo features muertitos figurines and colorful skulls. 54 E. San Francisco Street; 505-988-2757.
Ortega’s on the Plaza carries sterling silver Día de los Muertos jewelry by Shane Casias, Gregory Segura, and Tom DeWitt.
If you’re looking for that special gift for someone who LOVES Día de los Muertos, Ortega’s has your piece.
Jackalope offers a vast selection of Mexican Día de los Dead folk art. 2820 Cerrillos Road; 471-8539.
Jackalope carries a very large selection of Day of the Dead folk art from Mexico.
Can't make it to Mexico? Santa Fe captures the holiday's spirit and culture. Plan your visit with the official Santa Fe travel guide!
