Downtown Denver Celebrates Día de los Muertos

Lily Berzoza, Staff Videographer

Last fall, Downtown Denver participated in a variety of activities to celebrate Dia De Los Muertos. From homemade shrines to candlelight vigils, a communal sense of love, remembrance, and reverence was nurtured.

Regis University Honors Día de los Muertos

James Ortiz, Staff Photographer

On November 1st, Regis University hosted a celebration to recognize one of the most ancient feasts in the cultural life of Mexico: Día de los Muertos. The event took place on the Student Center Patio and was open to Regis students, faculty, staff, and the local community. The afternoon was complete with live music from Mariachi Regional de México, and a culturally significant craft with artist Mamibel (Maribel Arrendondo). 

A decorative arch welcomes students to the festivities. Photo by James Ortiz

Mariachi Regional de México performs live at Regis University. Photo by James Ortiz

Handmade shrines to honor those who have passed sit in the Student Center. Photo by James Ortiz

More shrines are honored in the Student Center. Photo by James Ortiz

Día de los Muertos decorations are displayed around the Student Center patio. Photo by James Ortiz

Take the Art for a Walk

By: Frances Meng-Frecker, Lead Photographer

In Denver, Fridays and art events often seem to coincide. Many people in Denver may have heard of “First Friday Art Walks,” but never attended one. I am here to encourage you to do so! The art walks take place on several streets, but the main street is Santa Fe. If you do not feel like driving that far, then you could head to Tennyson Street where they host a mini-First Friday art walk. Santa Fe Drive is full of life, music, creativity, people, and food every first Friday of the month. Last Friday (Nov. 2) was Día de los Muertos, or “Day of the Dead,” and the streets were full of people with painted faces and the smell of Mexican food. People celebrated the special day with art, friends, family, and food. 

Santa Fe Drive is home to many art galleries and art spaces. It is the place to go for any creative person because there is always new art to see and new places to experience. Bring your friends, bring your loved ones, bring anyone interested in art and having fun, and you will not be disappointed. For more information visit this website. Another art district to check out on First Fridays is RiNo. The next First Friday Art Walk will be December 7, so mark your calendars! 

Another mentionable Friday art event is “Untitled Final Fridays” at the Denver Art Museum. First Saturdays are free, and always a must-go, but the final Friday event was new to me this year. I attended the last one of the year in October, but there is already a schedule for next year posted here. On these special final Fridays at the DAM there are fun events happening on every floor. In October, printmaking with professional printmakers and jamming with a DJ were available on the 1stfloor. People could also add to the world’s biggest mini mural on the 2ndfloor and have their portraits drawn by an artist on the 3rdfloor. These are just a few of the activities that were available to people on an “Untitled Final Friday.” Another bonus was the 2-for-1 college student admission. If you show them your ID, they give you a discount (always important for broke college students like us). 

If you like art and activities, then Fridays are the day for you. Look up what is going on in an art district around you—there is always something! Whether it is a first or last Friday of the month—or even days throughout the month—Denver is full of art and culture and it is worth experiencing.