Planning is underway for the 2019 Silver City Dias de los Muertos or “Days of the Dead,” days of festive remembrance. This beloved tradition again will feature art, food, music and more! Ofrendas, from the elaborate to the simple, will be created and on display throughout the downtown in honor of those gone before. 

This very special time will open with a street festival beginning at noon on Sunday, October 27. An array of booths featuring  traditional art, food and other activities will spread across  Market Street and mariachi music  will be heard throughout the afternoon. It is a perfect time for families, friends and neighbors to come together, share memories and enjoy the day.

The highlight of the day is the big parade with those celebrating the lives of those gone before, monsoon puppets big and small, participants young and old, all in the spirit of the event. And some exciting new entries to the parade are being confirmed! 

Western New Mexico University will be joining in! Planning is underway and Friday, November 1, the  WNMU campus will be the setting for a special concert and art exhibit as part of the Silver City Dia de los Muertos.

The ofrenda procession in the late  afternoon  of Saturday, November 2 is the beautiful ending chapter of the Silver City Dia de los Muertos. The procession will visit ofrendas throughout the downtown. So memorable and so significant to the tradition of the event!

For food vendors, artisans, crafters  and nonprofits wanting to be part of the street festival – you can submit your application and reserve your space now! Contact Diana Ingalls Leyba at 575-388-5725 or leybaingallsarts@qwestoffice.net.   

Artists! Watch for information on the annual poster contest – it is coming soon! There are “bragging rights” as well as the honor of the winning artwork being featured on the annual Dia de los Muertos poster. The winning entry along with other entries will be on exhibit  at the Visitor Center.

Do  mark your calendar for this event to commemorate the culture that contributes so much to our community. Everyone is invited to join in or just to plan on being there for the happenings of the 2019 Silver City Dia De los Muertos. More exciting details coming soon!