Tubac Day of the Dead Procession and Event
Get in the Spirit
Discover magic. Experience the unforgettable spectacle of Tubac’s annual Día de los Muertos celebration. Also known as "Day of the Dead”, Día de los Muertos is the tradition of celebrating and sharing memories of loved ones who have passed.
Ofrendas, or altars, are set up by many in Mexico and southern Arizona and adorned with items that the dead enjoyed while they were alive. In the procession, trunks of cars were set up showing off ofrendas with pictures to honor dead family and friends accompanied with drinks, sweets and bread that their dead loved ones used to enjoy.
Whether this is your first time hearing about Day of the Dead or Día de los Muertos and are new to the tradition or you participate every year, everyone is welcome to commemorate this celebration of life in Tubac. It is a traditional event to include a procession through the village, altars and offerings, and the burning of intentions at the end. There are also over 40 Pop-Up vendors, food trucks and a DJ. The public is encouraged to attend and get in the spirit by getting involved in the activities included in the following schedule:
Face Painting
9 a.m. – 11 a.m Face Painting
Meet with face painters to become a living-Catrina, a skeleton figure, especially elegantly dressed men (catrines) and women (catrinas). Face painters are located in the parking lot of the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park. They are not meant to be scary, but beautiful to remind us of our deceased loved ones.
11 a.m Procession Begins
The procession will start at the Tubac Presidio Historic State Park and Museum. It will include Catrinas, mariachis, marching bands, and all are welcome to enjoy the procession along the route or join the procession itself.
12:15 p.m Finale Begins
The procession will end at the K Newby Gallery Sculpture Garden. Grand Finale of the procession is walking over the metal pedestrian footbridge into the K Newby Gallery Sculpture Garden and the burning of the intentions in the bonfire.
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
Over 40 vendors will offer local goods for sale. From handmade jewelry to artisan Mexican goods to charcuterie boxes. The Pop-Ups are located in the area of Tubac Road and Hesselbarth Lane.
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Day of the Dead Art Show
Check back for more information
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
Check back for more information
9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Food Trucks
Many food trucks to enjoy at 11 Tubac Road in the parking lot of Lone Mountain Turquoise.
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 November 1 - November 4
Check back in October 2024 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
On the Edge Contemporary 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
Feminine Mystique
Untamed Confections
Camino Otero Altars:
Zimmerman Gallery
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