Blog
Breckenridge Día de Muertos Festival
Celebrating Life + Tradition
For the past 10 years, the town of Breckenridge, Colorado, has come alive with vibrant colors, music and cultural celebrations as it pays homage to Día de Muertos, or the Day of the Dead holiday. The 2024 Día de Muertos Festival, presented by Breck Create, promises to be an unforgettable two-day event that honors loved ones who have passed while celebrating the rich tapestry of Latine culture. This annual festival, which runs from Friday, October 18th to Saturday, October 19th, is a testament to the power of art, tradition and community.
New in 2024 is the chance for attendees to play La Lotería, a Mexican Bingo game. Lotería is similar to bingo but played using a board filled with colorful illustrations. Produced in partnership with Dillon Valley Elementary School, proceeds from the sale of snacks and beverages will help underwrite school trips for 4th- and 5th-grade students.
Price
FREE
Location
Arts District Campus, Downtown Breckenridge
Schedule of Events
The 2024 Día de Muertos Festival promises a rich and diverse array of activities, all of which are free and family friendly; all workshops are 60 minutes long.
Friday, October 18th
Art Exhibition: Santos y Simbolismos: Vicente Telles, Alberto Palma and Santiago Ovalle
Opening Reception: Friday, October 18th, Old Masonic Hall ft. live music by Diego Espinosa, artist talks, Grupo Huitzilopochtli performance + candlelight vigil
Exhibition View Dates: Oct 18 – Nov 17
Location: Old Masonic Hall
Saturday, October 19th
Create: Muertos Mini Formas
Time: 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m.
Location: Quandary Antiques Cabin
Ancient Tonalli symbols made of natural ingredients
Presented by Chicano Humanities Arts Council
Shop: Mexican Cultural Center Market
Time: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Ridge Street Arts Square
Ft. traditional gifts, ornaments and Mexican goods including Pan de Muerto
Presented by Mexican Cultural Center
Play: La Lotería
Time: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Location: Ceramics Studio
A Mexican game of chance
Produced in partnership with Dillon Valley Elementary
Honor: Face Painting
Time: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Location: Ridge Street Arts Square
Perfect for all ages, talented artists will adorn your face with intricate designs to celebrate the rich traditions of Día de Muertos
Create: Sugar Skulls
Times: 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m.
Location: Fuqua Livery Stable
Learn about traditional Mexican customs and create your own skull art
Presented by Chicano Humanities Arts Council
Create: Ojo De Dios
Time: 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m.
Location: Randall Barn
Create the Ojo de Dios (God’s Eye) ornament, which provides spiritual protection
Presented by Chicano Humanities Arts Council
Create: Pan De Muerto
Time: 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m.
Location: Old Masonic Hall
Bake Pan de Muerto (bread of the dead), a sweet roll to honor deceased loved ones
Presented by Mexican Cultural Center
Create: Aztec Dance: Grupo Huitzilopochtli
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Ridge Street Arts Square
Learn the history and significance of this ancient Aztec dance
Create: Retablos with Vicente Telles
Time: 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m.
Location: Tin Shop
Join exhibiting artist and renowned santero Vicente Telles for a unique workshop creating traditional folk art
Listen: Diego Espinosa
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Ridge Street Arts Square
Guitarist Diego Espinosa blends traditional and contemporary sounds to honor the spirit of the day
Watch: Aztec Dance: Grupo Huitzilopochtli
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Location: Ridge Street Arts Square
See dancers perform the Battle Dance
Celebrate: Fiesta + 2MX2
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Old Masonic Hall
Close out the festival with this lively celebration featuring live music by 2MX2, food vendors and a community altar where guests may place mementos to honor the memory of loved ones
A Cultural Celebration with a Purpose
The Día de Muertos Festival is not just a festival; it’s a profound cultural experience. The event is produced in partnership with esteemed organizations such as the Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) Department of Chicana/o Studies, Mexican Cultural Center (MCC), Chicano Humanities Arts Council (CHAC), Colorado Folk Arts Council (CFAC), and Colorado Mountain Dreamers. Together, they aim to educate the public about this important Mexican tradition and promote inclusivity.
Dr. Renee Fajardo, a key figure in these partnerships, applauds the festival’s growth and Breck Create’s inclusion of Spanish translations on its website and exhibition resources. Dr. Fajardo, who serves as the director of the Journey Through Our Heritage program within the MSU Denver Chicano/a Studies Department, chairperson of CHAC and board member of CFAC, notes, “Breckenridge is more than a ski town—we are all part of a thriving, vibrant experience where our connections to each other are multifaceted.”
Honoring Tradition and Resilience
This year’s festival continues the tradition of the beloved candlelight vigil. The vigil will be held on Friday, October 18th, and the Aztec dance collective Grupo Huitzilopochtli returns to lead the procession. On Saturday, the group will perform and conduct a dance workshop.
According to Dr. Fajardo, the candlelight vigil is significant as it not only honors the departed but lights the way for the souls believed to return during this time of year. It also symbolizes bonding among the living participants, creating a sense of unity and remembrance.
Acknowledging Our Sponsors
Breck Create extends its gratitude to the sponsors of the 2024 Día de Muertos Festival, without whom this celebration wouldn’t be possible. Special thanks to U.S. Bank, The Summit Foundation, Summit County Colorado, Breckenridge Grand Vacations and BGV Gives for their support.
About Breck Create
Breck Create is dedicated to building a dynamic, year-round creative community in Breckenridge. The organization’s mission is to provide inspiring creative experiences that enhance the quality of life for all residents and visitors alike. Through a year-round schedule of performances, exhibitions, screenings, art classes and workshops, Breck Create supports and serves artists, creatives, cultural enthusiasts and the community, fostering a thriving, vibrant arts scene in Breckenridge.
The Arts District Campus, with its renovated historic structures, serves as a hub for artistic activities. The organization manages and operates the Riverwalk Center and offers affordable rentals for local and visiting artist-in-residence participants, making Breckenridge a true haven for creativity.
As the 2024 Día de Muertos Festival approaches, Breckenridge eagerly anticipates coming together to celebrate life, tradition and culture. Don’t miss out on this incredible event that bridges communities, educates and honors the past while looking toward a vibrant future.
For more information and a detailed schedule of events, visit our webpage dedicated to the festival. Join us in commemorating Día de Muertos and the rich cultural heritage it represents.