Marking its 21st anniversary this year, Longmont’s annual Día de los Muertos celebration is the longest standing in the state of Colorado. The exhibition at the Longmont Museum and family celebration in Downtown Longmont alone attract more than 6,000 people from across the region each year. Día de los Muertos in Longmont has expanded to become an entire City occasion. The Longmont Museum partners with dozens of individuals and community organizations with cultural expertise to create an experience for Día de los Muertos that is rooted in respect and authenticity.

In many parts of Mexico, Guatemala, 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 essential to this holiday that is full of life, reflection, food, family, and fun. The celebration demonstrates how a diverse community can come together to share a common desire – to honor our ancestors and keep their memories alive.

After a year of virtual events in 2020, this signature celebration is bringing the community together again in person.

FAMILY CELEBRATION
Saturday, Oct. 9; free
Downtown Longmont at 4th Avenue and Main Street
This year, the Día de los Muertos Family Celebration will open the season in downtown Longmont! The street festival returns, including music and dance performances, arts and craft activities, cultural education, traditional food, downtown business altars, and the Gigantes Procession. Día de los Muertos exhibitions at both the Longmont Museum and Firehouse will also be open and free. Visitors can park downtown or at the Longmont Museum and take the free shuttle between locations to enjoy all the activities of the day.

Family Fiesta
2–6 pm; free
Downtown Longmont at 4th Avenue & Main Street

Gigantes Procession
6–6:30 pm starting at the Fiesta; free

EXHIBITIONS

Día de los Muertos Exhibition at the Longmont Museum
Oct. 9–Nov. 7; free
400 Quail Rd., Longmont
Hours: Monday–Saturday 9 a.m. –5 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. –5 p.m., additional evening hours Thursday 5–9 p.m.
The Día de los Muertos exhibition returns to the Longmont Museum’s Swan Atrium this fall featuring ofrendas (altars) built by community members and the work of Longmont artist, Mario Olvera. Olvera’s artistic lens has become an inseparable part of both his professional and personal life, beautifully woven into his endeavors as a visual artist, educator, youth mentor, Aztec dancer, and father. Using art as a vessel to foster self-acceptance and respect among marginalized populations, Mario has become an influential teacher in Longmont and the surrounding region.

Día de los Muertos Exhibition at the Firehouse Art Center
Oct. 9 – Nov. 7, 2021; free
667 4th Ave., Longmont
Hours: Wednesday–Friday Noon–5 p.m. (by appointment only), Saturday and Sunday: Noon–5 p.m. (open to walk in guests with a 25-person capacity)
The Firehouse hosts community-made Catrina paintings alongside work from emerging and established local and national artists celebrating American diversity in language and culture from a range of creative perspectives. Featuring works by Gregg Deal, Grace Gutierrez, Thinh Dinh, Boryana Rusenova Ina, and Joy Nagy.

Self-guided Downtown Business Altar Tours
Oct. 8–November 5
Downtown Longmont businesses will once again host ofrendas to honor the tradition of the holiday and commemorate those who have passed on. On Friday, Oct. 8, Downtown Longmont businesses will unveil their ofrenda displays. Maps for self-guided tours of all business altar locations will be available at downtown businesses and at the Longmont Downtown Development Authority office at 320 Main St. Ofrendas will be on display through Friday, Nov. 5.

DIGITAL DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
LongmontDayoftheDead.com (English)
LongmontDiadelosMuertos.com (Español)

Authentic website content will prepare families to create their own Día de Muertos celebrations at home. Visit Longmont’s Day of the Dead websites in English or Spanish for thematic content highlighting the origins and traditions that make Day of the Dead a meaningful holiday. Topics include history, how to build an altar, music, arts and crafts, and food and drinks.


Día de los Muertos in Longmont is presented by NextLight and Elevations Credit Union. A special thanks to the other supporters who make these events possible: The City of Longmont, The National Endowment for the Arts & Humanities, Visit Longmont, The Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, The Community Foundation Serving Boulder County, The Longmont Community Foundation, The Mexican Cultural Center, The Consulate General of Mexico, The Longmont Multicultural Action Committee, The Boulder County Commissioner’s Diversity Fund, the Boulder County Arts Alliance, and Longmont Sister Cities.

ABOUT THE LONGMONT MUSEUM
The Longmont Museum is a center for culture in Northern Colorado where people of all ages explore history, experience art and discover new ideas through dynamic programs, exhibitions and events. Learn more at www.longmontmuseum.org.

ABOUT THE FIREHOUSE ART CENTER
Founded in 1986 the mission of the Firehouse Art Center is to inspire cultural awareness and human connection by providing life enhancing experiences through art appreciation, education and self expression. Learn more at www.firehouseart.org.

ABOUT LDDA
The Longmont Downtown Development Authority (LDDA) works to develop, support, and promote a vital and valuable Downtown Longmont. Through strategic development and programs, the LDDA makes downtown appealing to businesses, residents, and visitors. Visit www.downtownlongmont.com to learn more.