Get in the Spirit: Tubac’s 11th Annual 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, at 1 Burruel St., which will host the vendor area, procession start and end points, and main performances. The procession will travel through all streets of the village.

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 at 1 Burruel.

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 Tubac Presidio State Historic Park parking lot, this tradition transforms participants into elegant skeleton figures - beautiful, not scary - to honor our departed loved ones.

10 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 Tubac Presidio State Historic Park at 1 Burruel St

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 Tubac Presidio State Historic Park 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 Tubac Presidio State Historic Park.

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.

10 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 Tubac Presidio State Historic Park.

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. In Tumacacori, just 2 short miles south of Tubac on the Frontage Road.

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Untamed Confections, located in La Entrada de Tubac Plaza

Special Dia de los Muertos Assorted Peruvian Organic Chocolates available for purchase, face painting throughout the day, and a piñata after the procession.

7 a.m. - 1 p.m. Love Brews, located in Plaza de Anza

Begin your Día de los Muertos Morning Celebration from 7 AM to 1 PM with mimosas, beermosas, pastries, and café de olla. From 7–10 AM, enjoy free face painting while you sip coffee and snack before the procession, and from 9–10 AM, try your luck at Lotería for fun prizes.

Parking

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 (first road on the left as you enter the village). Please follow parking volunteers for directions. Streets will close when the 11 a.m. procession begins and will travel down every road in the village, so come early, park nearby, and enjoy the best views. Parking areas are marked on the event map (note that the Presidio lot will be closed). Every corner of Tubac comes alive for this unforgettable tradition!

Additional Activities Around the Village

Santa Cruz County Day of the Dead Altar Tour:

A separate but concurrent event, the Santa Cruz County Day of the Dead Altar Tour, will be held from November 1st to 5th. If you would like your business to be included in the Altar Tour, there is a $35 fee paid to the Nogales Chamber of Commerce. The Altar Tour will feature altars in locations throughout the county, and participating businesses will be listed on a map that guides visitors to view ofrendas in Tubac and beyond. Maps for the tour will be available at the Nogales Chamber of Commerce booth. Ofrendas will be on display in various locations. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of Tubac’s rich cultural celebration and the broader Altar Tour across Santa Cruz County!

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Untamed Confections: Face painting starting at 9 a.m. and a lively Piñata Party at 2 p.m, filled with Untamed treats and surprises.

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Self-guided altar tour: Explore over 25 ofrendas around Tubac. For more altars throughout Santa Cruz County, pick up a map from the Nogales Chamber of Commerce booth. The countywide altar tour runs November 1–5.

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Jewelry Exhibitions: Día de los Muertos themed jewelry exhibition at the K Newby Gallery located at 15 Tubac Rd.

11 a.m. – 8 p.m. – Wisdom’s Café Special Event: Live music and 2-for-1 specials all day. Wisdom's Café is located in Tumacacori, 2 miles south on the Frontage Rd.

The Heart of Tubac’s Día de los Muertos

Now in its 13th year, Tubac’s Día de los Muertos celebration continues to thrive thanks to the dedication of Celeste Wisdom of Wisdom’s Café, Gaby Centeno of Casa Maya de Mexico, and Kim Roseman of K Newby Gallery, who organize this beloved community event. A heartfelt thank you also goes to Donna Dowodzenka, who helped organize the celebration for its first 11 years. This vibrant tradition is a true community effort - created, led, and loved by these amazing women of Tubac.

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