Civic Center Conservancy is thrilled to produce Día de los Muertos at Civic Center, the third annual celebration of the presence of ancestors and loved ones who have passed, in collaboration with Alicia “Bruce” Trujillo, the founder and Jefa of Manos Sagrados, as the Artistic & Cultural Director. She’s partnered with Santiago Jaramillo of Westwood’s D3 Arts and Celesté Martinez of Colorful Colorado Collaborative to bring a unique event to Civic Center Park on October 25, 2025, from 2-9pm.
Trujillo says, “Our event will add to the already existing celebrations throughout the Denver Metro area. I like that this [celebration in Civic Center] is being held a week before, so that family celebrations and other events are not disrupted. In this way, I think it will get folks into the mindset.” Not only will Día de los Muertos at Civic Center be a great way to kick off the Day of the Dead holiday, but visitors will also be able to get supplies and ofrendas for their own celebrations at home or in their smaller communities, including pan de Muertos and other goodies for the holiday.
This year’s Día de los Muertos event will be music-forward, showcasing a traditional way to celebrate relatives—living and passed. Throughout the afternoon and into the evening, the community will enjoy Danza Folklorico with ArtisiCo Dance, Norteña with Leyenda Original, Danza Azteca and pre-Colombian music provided by Kalpulli Mikakuika, Mariachi from Denver’s only all-women grupo, Las Dahlias, and rock from Izcalli (who recently opened the Federal Theater).
“There’s such a wide variety of performers that are all based here in Denver, and all representing our communities,” says Trujillo. “Music connects us to our loved ones in mind and spirit and moves us in ways words simply cannot. It’s important to me to include a variety of live music and dance for this reason.”
In addition to music, Día de los Muertos at Civic Center will have many ways to explore the Park, including the Mercado, featuring local vendors serving Mexican and Latin American food & beverage and local artisan stalls. Be sure to check out the shops to help you prep home altares with ofrendas and regalos. Throughout the afternoon, family activities will be in the park, including the Denver Public Library Bookmobile and other crafts, interactive ofrendas and art.
Ofrendas and community alters are a special tradition of Día de los Muertos. They’re a beautiful way to honor your loved ones and open the doors to healing, individually and collectively. “Attendees are invited to bring *copies* of photos of their loved ones to place on the community ofrenda. Please do not bring original copies as we cannot guarantee they can be returned,” Trujillo advises.
Trujillo says, “Everyone is invited to dress up and show out with their best Muertos costumes, and walk through our Oaxacan-inspired graveyard installation, as well as enjoy pieces from the Denver Botanic Gardens collection of Catrinas and Calacas.” Then at sundown (around 6p), folks can also join the procession through the Central Promenade of the Park.
“Día de los Muertos is such a beautiful holiday, and I am excited to be collaborating on this particular celebration,” Trujillo reminds us, “An event like this, at a time that we find ourselves in is an act of love; we still celebrate each other with compassion and dignity.”
Read more about Día de los Muertos at Civic Center and sign up for volunteer opportunities.
Las Dahlias, Denver’s only all-women Mariachi grupo
