Guests are invited to celebrate the flavors, artistry and traditions of the Southwest at Tohono Chul’s annual Chiles, Chocolate and Day of the Dead Festival.
On Saturday, Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the whole family can explore and honor Dia de los Muertos traditions via activities and experiences throughout the gardens, including live mariachi music, colorful folklórico dance performances, and tastings from Tucson chocolatiers and chile and salsa vendors.
Cooking demonstrations will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Overlook, and throughout the festival, guests can enjoy photo opportunities including the horse sculpture, Drew’s saguaro sculpture and the Arboretum Cantina. Educator talks include the Chiltepin Talk and Ben’s Bells in the Children’s Garden.
Throughout the property, multiple local and regional artists will be offering a vibrant selection of handcrafted goods, from textiles to artwork and one-of-a-kind gifts and the Tohono Chul nursery will be selling Chiltepins and Marigolds.
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., kids can enjoy free craft activities in the Children’s Garden, such as chili pepper pinatas, Calavera mask making and flower crowns as well as Dia de los Muertos-inspired face painting by Desert Divas and a paint party at Sami’s.
Guests can also peruse the Dia de los Muertos altars exhibition on display at the Exhibit House Patio. This collection invites guests to explore colorful artwork, handmade altars and personal ofrendas made by local artists and students. It will remain on exhibit through Sunday, Nov. 8. This exhibition includes a community altar where guests can leave recuerdos (remembrances) for their lost loved ones, which will be taken to Tucson’s All Souls Procession on Sunday, Nov. 8 to be burned in the famous Burning of the Urn Ceremony.
General admission tickets are $25 per person. Member admission is $20 per person. Admission is $10 for kids ages two to 17 and free for children under two years of age.
Visit https://tohonochul.org/event/chiles-chocolate-day-of-the-dead/ for further details and to purchase tickets. For more about Tohono Chul, visit https://tohonochul.org/.
