[Tucson, AZ] Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 – Tohono Chul kicked off its Chiles, Chocolate, & Day of the Dead Festival, inviting guests to celebrate the flavors and traditions of Fall in the Southwest. The festival runs today, Fri., Nov. 1, and tomorrow, Sat., Nov. 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., blending rich cultural and culinary traditions with the artistry that defines the region, offering something special for everyone.

 

Guests can enjoy live performances from Mariachi Corazon Latino, Tesoro, Oscar Fuentes, and Ballet Folklorico Los Mextucaz. Alongside the music, attendees can taste the region’s unique flavors with sweet treats from local chocolatiers like Monsoon Chocolate, Carolina’s Chocolate, Chocolate 66, and more. Guests can take home freshly roasted chiles from Red’s Roasters and The Roasted Chile, along with gourmet selections from Alfonso Olive Oils and more. Plus, the Garden Bistro will feature a special menu and bar with a delicious selection of meals and drinks.

 

For shoppers, there’s an array of handcrafted items perfect for unique holiday gifts. From Silver Creations jewelry to Macs Upcycle handmade Catrina dolls, Mini Hobo Bags, and Tierra Antigua Zapotec Rugs, visitors can support artisans while finding one-of-a-kind treasures. The Shops at Tohono Chul offer a fantastic variety of Day of the Dead merchandise, enriching the celebration with unique finds.

 

The festival includes family-friendly activities, such as crafting stations, free Día de los Muertos face painting for children, and for adults, opportunities for sugar skull mask painting and creating festive still-life paintings.

 

Guests can explore Día de los Muertos altars and installations created by local artists and students from Safford K-8, Roskruge Bilingual K-8, and Salpointe Catholic High School. Visitors are invited to add personal keepsakes to Tohono Chul’s community altar, located in the Exhibit House Entry Gallery, where they will be honored during the All Souls Procession’s Burning of the Urn Ceremony on Sun., Nov. 3.

 

With featured plants like chiltepins and marigolds for sale, book signings by local authors, and more surprises to discover, Tohono Chul’s Chiles, Chocolate, & Day of the Dead Festival is a celebration of food, art, and culture that you won’t want to miss.

 

Tickets are available online or at the door, priced at $10 for Tohono Chul members, $25 for general admission, $7 for children ages 4-12, with children under 4 admitted free.

 

For additional information or to purchase tickets, visit tohonochul.org/chiles.

 

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