Tubac Day of the Dead Procession and Event
Get in the Spirit: Tubac’s Día de los Muertos Celebration
Discover magic. Celebrate life.
Experience the unforgettable vibrant tradition of Tubac’s annual Día de los Muertos celebration, a beautiful event that brings the community together to honor those who have passed. Also known as Day of the Dead, this cultural tradition is rooted in the belief that the spirits of our loved ones return to visit us during this time.
Throughout the village, ofrendas (altars) are lovingly created and adorned with photos, favorite foods, drinks, and cherished items of those being remembered. Casa Maya de Mexico, event organizer, provides everything you need to decorate your ofrenda, booth, and procession signage, making it easy for participants to create beautiful displays. Whether you’re new to the tradition or return each year, all are welcome to take part in this meaningful and heartfelt celebration of life.
This year, the heart of the event is located at Tubac Presidio State Historical Park and Museum, which will host the vendor area, procession start and end points, and main performances. The procession will travel through all streets of the village.
Please plan to arrive and park by 9:30 a.m. to avoid disrupting the procession.
Primary parking is available in the dirt lot at the end of Plaza Road on Burruel, with overflow parking at the end of Calle Baca.
The day includes a colorful procession, altars, offerings, a bonfire finale, over 40 pop-up vendors, food trucks, face painting, a DJ, and live music.
Whether you’re participating or simply enjoying the day, we invite you to get in the spirit.
Both the procession and all the vendors are located at The Tubac Presidio State Historic Park
Key Event Schedule
All events below take place at Tubac Presidio State Historical Park unless otherwise noted.
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Face painting
Become a living Catrina or Catrín with help from our talented face painters. Located in the Presidio parking lot, this tradition transforms participants into elegant skeleton figures—beautiful, not scary—to honor our departed loved ones.
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Pop-up vendors and food trucks
Shop from over 40 local vendors offering handmade jewelry, artisan goods, Día de los Muertos items, and more. Enjoy delicious bites from a variety of food trucks.
11 a.m. – Procession begins
Join or watch the stunning procession as it winds through the village. Expect Catrinas, mariachis, folklórico dancers, marching bands, and more. The procession begins and ends at the Presidio.
12 – 3 p.m. – Live music by Martín Marquez
Enjoy live music and dancing in the vendor area.
12:15 p.m. – Burning of intentions
A powerful finale at the Presidio where written hopes, prayers, and memories are released in a ceremonial fire.
2 p.m. – Catrina Contest
Show off your best Catrina look at the stage area in front of the Presidio.
ADDITIONAL EVENTS
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Altar Tour
Enjoy touring our village to see ofrendas in over 25 locations within the village of Tubac. Pick up a map from the Nogales Chamber of Commerce for the Santa Cruz County Altar tour which has many more altar locations to visit. The Nogales Chamber of Commerce will have an information booth at the head of the village as soon as you turn into Plaza Road from the Frontage Road for more information.
9 a.m. - 3 p.m. POP-UP Vendors and Food Trucks
Over 40 vendors will offer local goods for sale. From handmade jewelry to artisan Mexican goods to charcuterie boxes. Many food trucks to enjoy as well. The Pop-Ups and food trucks are located in parking lot
2 p.m. Catrina Contest
Join us for the Catrina Contest at the stage area in front of the Historic Presidio State Park located at
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Day of the Dead Jewelry Show
Dia De Los Muertos Jewelry Exhibition at the K Newby Gallery located at 15 Tubac Road.
11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Wisdom’s Cafe Special Event
Live Music and 2-for-1's all day.
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Untamed Confections
Special Dia de los Muertos Assorted Peruvian Organic Chocolates Available for Purchase (pictured below):
Enjoy the rest of the day visiting booths, food trucks, restaurants, shops, and the Ofrendas located at businesses throughout the village.
Ofrendas/Altars are located in Tubac October 31 - November 4
Check back in October 2025 for the final list
Tubac Road Altars:
Art of Beauty Salon
Lone Mountain Turquoise Co.
Casa Maya de Mexico
K Newby Gallery
Sole Shoes
James Culver Leather
Stevens & Castro Art and Design
La Cucaracha
Bruce Baughman Gallery
Cactus Wren Art Gallery
Cobalt Gallery
Old Presidio Traders
Mas Y Mas
Viola Jo Studio
Plaza Road Altars:
Tubac Old World Imports, 7 Plaza Road
Tubac Center of the Arts, 9 Plaza Road
Casa Maya de Mexico
La Entrada de Tubac Altars:
Tumacookery
El Barrio Kitchen
Horses in Motion
Michelle's Gallery
Untamed Confections
Camino Otero Altars:
Cositas Handmade
Grumpy Gringo
Quilts Limited
Cobalt Gallery
Joan of Arts Gallery
Burruel Street Altars:
Tubac Presidio State Historic Park and Museum, 1 Burruel Street
The Tubac Historical Society, 6 Burruel Street
Tumacacori Altar:
Wisdom's Cafe, 1931 E. Frontage Rd, Tumacácori
Calle Baca Altars:
Turquoise Tortoise Gallery
Cocosh Boutique