Larimer Square hosting free Dia de los Muertos celebration

Historic Larimer Square is hosting a free Dia de los Muertos celebration from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 30.

Dia de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, is a popular holiday celebrated throughout Mexico, Latin America and around the world that honors the lives of passed on loved ones.   All souls are invited to enjoy Larimer Square’s first gathering of live music, tequila tastings, salsa dancing lessons, sugar skull mask decorating, face painting and more.

Dia de los Muertos activities include:

• Salsa dancing lessons at the Crimson Room. Bring a friend and learn the steps to this famous Latin dance for free. Each lesson lasts one half hour and starts at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.
• Sugar skull face painting by Melissa Pineda will take place in the Walkway on Larimer Square. Sugar skulls are an important tradition during this holiday – have one recreated on your face. Limited slots are available so get there early.
• Make your own Dia de los Muertos mask in the Walkway. Sugar skulls represent the celebration of life and death – the colorful designs created represent the vitality of life and individual personality.
• Several Latin Musicians will be performing throughout the night. Enjoy Trio Xochitl music at Tamayo from 6 to 7 p.m. Manuel Molina will be playing from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Crimson Room.
• Celebrate the lives of loved ones with a free tequila tasting seminar. Learn the difference between Reposada and Anejo at a tequila tasting and lesson at 6 and 7 p.m. at Milk & Honey.
• If you are dining on Larimer Square, several restaurants will have special menus this evening, specifically Rioja will be offering a special Dia de los Muertos menu item; Milk & Honey will be mixing up three Arta Tequila special cocktails.

Beautiful altars will be set up on Larimer Square where visitors can celebrate the lives of those who are no longer living. Bring a photo or small ofrenda to set on an altar of your choice:

• Larimer Arts Association altars honoring famous Latino/Latina artists.
• Pets for Vets Colorado altar where you can honor your furry friend who has passed on.
• Local celebrated artist Tracy Weil will show a masterpiece. Weil is also responsible for the colorful picado banner display above Larimer Street,
• MSU Denver altar honoring the MSU Art Faculty who have passed on.