Folk dancers perform during Dia de los Muertos 2023.
Brett Fisher/Nevada State Museum
For 18 years, the Nevada State Museum in Carson City has hosted the annual Dia de Los Muertos celebration in recognition of Latin culture and its contributions to the Silver State.
This year, the museum is collaborating with Visit Carson City, the Brewery Arts Center, the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada, Carson City School District and Western Nevada College to turn Dia de los Muertos into a community-wide festival.
“We recognize the influence of Latin culture throughout Nevada, so it only makes sense for the celebration to involve the whole community,” Nevada State Museum Director Josh Bonde said in a news release.
Dia de los Muertos (“Day of the Dead”) is a traditional Mexican festival combining elements of the ancient Aztec civilization with Spanish Catholicism introduced in Mexico by 16th century missionaries. It’s a time to remember loved ones who have passed on and celebrate their lives. From sacred, deeply personal ofrendas (altars) thoughtfully decorated as memorials, to music, dancing, feasts and storytelling, Dia de los Muertos creates a strong connection between the living and the departed.
“Dia de los Muertos is a tremendous opportunity for us to really connect with the community,” said Bonde. “The event also supports our mission to promote the cultural history of Nevada.”
The ofrenda presentation is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 1 from 5-7 p.m. in the Nevada State Museum’s Dema Guinn Concourse. Enjoy Pan Dulce from Hacienda Market, Pan de Muerto from El Centro Market, and Abuelita (Mexican hot chocolate) from Juan’s Mexican Grill while viewing altars presented by community members.
The heart of the Dia de los Muertos celebration occurs Saturday, Nov. 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Nevada State Museum with campus-wide activities, including live music and folk dancing performances, a bilingual story time feature, crafts and face painting. King of Kings food truck will also be curbside along Curry Street serving traditional Mexican street fare.
Meanwhile, the Brewery Arts Center hosts Chocolate and Spirits Pairing (tickets available at https://breweryarts.org/event/20241101-chocolate-pairing/) Friday evening at 6 p.m., followed by a free concert Saturday night at 7 p.m. with the band, Fuerza Latina, presented, in part, by Radio Xtasis.
Admission to the Nevada State Museum, located at 600 N. Carson St., is free on Friday evening and all day on Saturday.