Get in the Spirit: Tubac’s 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, 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.

9:00 AM – Festival Opens

Face Painters • Food Trucks • Vendors • Kids’ Activities

Catrina Contest Registration Opens

11:00 AM – Día de los Muertos Procession Begins

Tubac Presidio Historic State Park

12:00 PM – Live Performances & Burning of Intentions

Mariachi • Marching Band • Folklórico Dancers

12:30 PM – Living History Presentation

La Catrina Speaks: The Story Behind the Icon

12:45 PM – Catrina Contest

Children • Adult • Senior Divisions

1:30–3:00 PM – Live Band

Grupo Estylo

In addition to the scheduled performances, enjoy self-guided altar tours throughout the village, face painting, a kids’ craft area, a petting zoo, more than 30 pop-up vendors, food trucks, and activities throughout the day based at the Tubac Presidio Historic State Park.

Leave Your Intention at the Tubac Chamber Office at 8 Burruel.

Before the Día de los Muertos procession, stop by the Tubac Chamber of Commerce to leave your intention. Write a wish, prayer, or message of remembrance to be included in this special community tradition.

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!

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 of Donna's Salon, 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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