What's Happening in Mesa, AZ…

Mesa Arts Center will be celebrating Dia de los Muertos (day of the dead) in mid-October.

The free community event will feature Latin American culture and art related to the Mexican holiday.

Artists will be giving demonstrations like making paper flowers, papel picado, and face painting, while more than a dozen cultural performances will include mariachi bands and guitar soloists. The event will also have other Mexican-themed entertainment and family activities.

Revelers getting their faces painted often have pictures taken, which can be sent to local Stationery printers to be made into custom cards or note card sets.

Jenny Vaughn, a lead jewelry instructor, will be holding a hands-on skull enameling class. Participants may choose patterns and beads to decorate copper enamel skulls. The result will be reminiscent of traditional Dia de los Muertos calavera (Spanish for skull).

Food will be available, including the little colorful traditional sugar skulls Pan de Muertos, Calabaza en Tacha (candied pumpkin), Mexican hot chocolate, tamales, and Mole (Mexican mother sauce).

Mercado Market Place will offer Dia de los Muertos and other Mexican-themed jewelry, crafts, and furniture for sell.

Volunteers 16 and over may sign up to help out at the event through greeting the public, crowd control, hospitality, set up and clean up.

Dia de los Muertos will take place from 10:00am to 5:00pm, October 21 and 22, at the Mesa Arts Center, 1 E Main Street.Get a Free Quote for Stationery