Utah municipalities and cultural organizations are preparing to host several Día de los Muertos celebrations throughout the state in early November, offering community-wide events centered on remembrance, traditional food, and art to honor deceased loved ones.
Park City Celebrates with Ofrendas
In Park City, the Arts Council of Park City & Summit County will host a free Día de los Muertos celebration on Nov. 1 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the CREATE PC Local Artist Collective. The event, designed to bring the Mexican and Latin American tradition to the local community, will feature a variety of cultural activities including face painting, crafts, and the presence of Catrinas.
According to the Arts Council of Park City & Summit County, the celebration will include traditional foods such as tamales and Pan de Muerto. To encourage community participation, residents are invited to contribute to a community ofrenda, or altar, by bringing photographs, meaningful memorabilia, or favorite foods of their deceased loved ones. These offerings can be brought to the CREATE PC Local Artist Collective starting Oct. 20 for display during the Nov. 1 event.
St. George Museum of Art Theme
The St. George Museum of Art has scheduled its annual Day of the Dead celebration for Nov. 2 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. This year's event is organized around the theme "Remember Me, Honoring Individuals Who Have Impacted Our Lives." The museum is hosting a community event that is free and open to guests of all ages.
As part of the celebration, the museum is hosting an art exhibition related to the annual theme. Artists are encouraged to interpret the theme by exploring concepts of memory, remembrance, family, relationships, legacy, and the lasting impact of those who have shaped lives. The museum has set specific guidelines for submissions, noting that all 2D artwork must be framed and ready to hang with wire, and that AI-generated artwork will not be accepted.
Art Submission and Pickup Details
The St. George Museum of Art is also accepting art submissions for the exhibition through Oct. 15, 2026. Artists must submit their work online between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15, 2026, and will be notified of their acceptance via email by Oct. 20, 2026. The museum requires that all artwork be created within the last two years and that artists submit a maximum of two entries.
Physical artwork drop-offs are scheduled for Oct. 21 through Oct. 30, 2026, during the museum's operating hours of Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Following the exhibition on Nov. 2, participants may pick up their artwork between Nov. 2 and Nov. 9, 2026, during regular museum hours.
Orem Library Observance
The Orem Public Library is also planning a Día de los Muertos event to commemorate ancestors. The program is described as a time of remembrance for loved ones who have passed away.
According to the library's event listing, the celebration will feature Mexican music, art, dance, and various activities and food to honor those who have passed on.
The Tradition of Remembrance
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a tradition celebrated in Mexico and throughout many parts of Latin America. The holiday serves as a way for families and communities to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away through specific customs such as the creation of ofrendas, which are altars used to host the memories and stories of the deceased.
Community Connection
While the specific details for several events remain subject to change, the primary goal across Utah locales remains the same: providing a respectful space for residents to connect with their heritage and community through shared cultural traditions.
