Celebrate Life.
Embrace la tradición.
Step into a world of color, music, food and tradición at the Phoenix Zoo! Bring the whole family and join us for the first-ever Día de los Muertos, a joyful weekend celebration of life and remembrance. Spend a day at the Zoo and enjoy vibrant altars, cultural art, festive performances and family-friendly activities inspired by the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos.
Event Details
Date:
November 1 & 2, 2025
Location:
Phoenix Zoo
Time:
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Price:
Included with general admission or membership
ACTIVITIES
(CLICK TO EXPAND)
PERFORMANCES
Balle Folklorico Amistad
Ollin Yoliztil Dance Academy
Ballet Folklorico del Valle del Sol
Quetzalli Belley Folklorico
Colorado Dance Folklorico
ENTERTAINMENT AND ACTIVITIES
Arts & Crafts
Create lanterns, paper marigolds, sugar skull coloring pages, face painting and MORE!
LIVE MUSIC
Cumbia Oaxaca
Mariachi Luz del Sur
Mariachi Pasion
Mariachi Joyas del Futuro
Live radio sets from radio station partners
ART SALE
The Phoenix Zoo will also host an art sale featuring works inspired by the spirit of the holiday, including paintings, sculptures and pottery. These art pieces have been generously donated by local art collector Joe Raymond. All proceeds from the auction are dedicated to advancing the stewardship and conservation of animals and their habitats while providing experiences that inspire people and motivate them to care for the natural world.
Location: Pulliam School Group Entrance (to the right of Phoenix Zoo’s main entrance)
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
What is Día de los Muertos?
Día de los Muertos is a cherished Mexican tradition that joyfully honors and remembers loved ones who have passed. It is a celebration of life filled with music, food, altars, and memories, recognizing the lasting bond between the living and the dead.
Typically observed on November 1 (Día de los Angelitos) to remember children and November 2 (Día de los Difuntos) to honor adults, the full tradition can span October 27 to November 3, with each day offering special remembrances from beloved pets to family members who have passed on and ancestors.
At the heart of the celebration are ofrendas (altars), carefully built with offerings like photos, candles, marigolds, favorite foods, and personal mementos to honor and welcome spirits home.
Symbols of the Season
Mexican Marigolds (Cempasúchil): Bright yellow-orange flowers believed to guide spirits with their color and scent
Sugar Skulls (Calaveras): Colorful decorated sugar skulls serving as symbols of remembrance and joy
Papel Picado: Decorative paper banners representing wind and the fragility of life
Pan de Muerto: Traditional sweet bread placed on altars (altares)
Catrinas: Elegant skeleton figures that capture the humor and beauty of life and death
Thank you to our sponsors & Vendors!
Plan your visit today!
The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the U.S., caring for over 3,000 animals, with nearly 400 species represented, including many threatened/endangered species.
Plan your visit today!
The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the U.S., caring for over 3,000 animals, with nearly 400 species represented, including many threatened/endangered species.
