There are a number of ways to celebrate Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead in Las Vegas in 2017. If you would like to submit an event for this list, send a press release to webmaster@ktnv.com.
China Poblano at The Cosmopolitan is celebrating Day of the Dead through Nov. 2. The restaurant is decorated with marigolds, sugar skulls and more and the restaurant is dedicating the holiday to the legendary actor Cantiflas. Menu highlights include carne apache, tortilla soup, albondigas, enchiladas de machetes, tres leches and the Sagrado Corazon, which is made with tequila blanco, lime, agave and hibiscus ice. Prices range from $13 to $16 for the cocktail.
Head to Charleston Heights Arts Center for a sugar skull workshop on Oct. 28 from 1 to 3 p.m. Learn about the Mexican tradition of sugar skulls and create a colorfully decorated sugar skull to take home. Advance registration required. Cost is $15.
DISCOVERY Children’s Museum is celebrating the Day of the Dead through Nov. 3 by offering children the opportunity to design sugar skull masks, craft paper picador, explore Mexican folk art, make paper cempasuchiles and more.
Decorate your own set of sugar skulls in celebration of Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) at the Bubblegum Gallery on Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. Cost is $10.
The Neon Museum is celebrating the Day of the Dead with free self-guided access to the Neon Boneyard from 1 to 7 p.m. Oct. 28. Flowers will be used to decorate an altar created by artist Favela in memory of prominent sign designer Raul Rodriguez. A family fiesta between 1 and 4 p.m. will features games, dances, music, cuisine and piñata time. The day will conclude with a 2-hour open-top bus tour through Downtown Las Vegas for $50 per person.
Inspirada, a master planned community in Henderson, is brewing up a special "Dia de los Muertos" edition of its farmers' market at Solista Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, just in time for Halloween.
Artists include Richard Bistrup, Karen Disorbo, Lou Isms, Lisa Herr, Joseph Watson and more. Artists will display their best Day of the Dead inspired work, including beautifully crafted skeletons and intricate candy skulls.
Clark County’s annual Life in Death Festival is taking place Nov. 1 and 2 at Winchester Cultural Center and Park on McLeod Drive. This is the 17th year of honoring the dead and mocking death with the festival’s patron, Elizadeath, in the guise of a Las Vegas showgirl. The festival will feature many ofrendas (altars) built by families and other groups in memory of relatives and other beloved individuals. Prizes will be awarded in 3 categories. There will also be performances by Mexican dance troupes and readings of “Calaveras” or “skulls,” which are poems. Other activities include free workshops (sugar skulls, paint clay skulls, colorful flowers), a free art exhibit, children’s activities, Mexican crafts and Mexican food for sale.
Salud Mexican Bistro and Tequileria is offering half-off shots, a special happy hour menu, and raffle prizes from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Nov. 1. Items on the menu include $5 tapas, classic street tacos for $7, house-made sangria, lemonade mimosas, and traditional margaritas. All raffle proceeds will be donated to the Las Vegas Victims Fund.
Head to Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza in Lorenzi Park on Nov. 2 for the city’s annual Day of the Dead celebration for all ages. This vibrant homage to life is a true community event and one of the most charming and colorful holidays celebrated by Mexican and Latin American cultures. This lighthearted and joyful tribute honors the memory of family and friends who have passed away in a fun and immersive atmosphere featuring special entertainment, interactive children’s activities, artisan vendors, refreshments available for purchase, face-painting, special décor and an exhibition of alters created by community organiza-tions and groups.
The Springs Preserveis celebrating Day of the Dead from Nov. 3 to 5. This family-friendly event blends rich customs with exciting activities such as live theater and dance performances, altars, mariachis, face painting and sugar skull decorating. The altars that are created by residents, community groups and artists honor deceased relatives, making it the highlight of the celebrations. Altars are decorated with photographs, burning candles, incense, and display favorite foods of their loved ones. The mood is lightened and life celebrated through poems, music and dance. This event is supported by the generous contributions of our sponsors: Amica, Nevada Health Link, MGM Resorts International, Cox Communications, Telemundo, Chipotle, AARP Nevada, Latin Chamber of Commerce and Wells Fargo. Adults $10, children $6, kids 2 and under are free. Advance tickets are available at Mariana’s Supermarket and online.
Leticia’s Cocina at Tivoli Village is hosting a free Fall Festival for all ages honoring the Day of the Dead. Activities include a special Trunk-or-Treat starting at 4 p.m. with face painting by L Makeup Institute, a Kiddie Zone, food specials, games, roaming characters, live music, entertainment including Mariachis and more. The event is Saturday, Oct. 28 from 4-10 p.m.
