With the Day of the Dead approaching, you may be wondering what’s happening in Reno and the surrounding areas in terms of festivities. For those who may not know, the Day of the Dead is a holiday most widely observed in Mexico. It is typically celebrated November first and second, to commemorate and reconnect with loved ones who’ve passed. The list at the end of this article will seek to maintain a living document of the events occurring around central Nevada.

Before continuing to the list, it is important to recognize a common misconception that Day of the Dead is celebrated by all Latino cultures. As mentioned before, the Day of the Dead is a predominantly Mexican holiday, and other Latin American countries celebrate the days surrounding November 1st very differently. The differences in traditions and customs are usually related to the different indigenous people that occupied the regions such as the Incans and Mayans. Maria Palma of KUNR is originally from Chile, and was able to provide key insights into these differences.

Palma said that “We don’t really celebrate Day of the Dead (In Chile). What I’ve learned is that the Day of the Dead celebration is mostly in Mexico… There is this feeling that most people think that because you are from Latin America you celebrate day of the Dead, but actually the first time I heard of it was when I came here”.

Palma went on to describe how the holidays in Chile are very different. In Chile not only do they celebrate Halloween similar to the United States, but their holiday on November 1st is called All Saints Day.

The day is recognized not so much through celebration, but rather through quiet remembrance, as Palma described, “Its similar to Day of the Dead, but not at all in the way that we don’t use colorful clothes or skulls… The main thing that we do is we visit the graves of people that have passed away. We go to the cemetery with our family, buy flowers… create a big beautiful bouquet… then we go and put that on the grave.”

Palma further described the day stating, “We usually spend a few minutes, some people spend the whole morning there, remembering the people that passed away, saying a prayer or bringing an object that person really loved… Its really quiet its not like we’re playing music or a huge happy celebration. Its a day to pay tribute in a very silent, respectful way.”

She also went on to say how the holiday isn’t only about honoring your own family but also respecting and honoring all who’ve passed sharing, “If you see a grave that has no family, or hasn’t been cleaned or anything, its very common that even if you don’t know that person, you go and clean it or put a flower.”

Although there are other Latin American countries such as Guatemala that are also known for their Day of the Dead festivities, Palma reminds us that people from Latin America may recognize these days in very different ways. That is why it is important to not assume anyone celebrates the Day of the Dead and to be respectful of how people choose to spend their time on these days.

By comparison, Day of the Dead is more of a celebration of life. Ancestors are invited back into people’s homes through offerings set on personalized altars. Spirits are then believed to return home to spend time with family. It is a lively occasion with colorful dress and a celebration of joy and loved ones in a community. There are parties, parades, and people sing and dance. Luckily, there are ways to celebrate around central Nevada, and without further ado, here is our list:

 October 29:

• 4^th Annual Day of the Dead Festival: Festival in Reno with food, crafts, arts, and much more. For $5 you can participate in Day of the Dead Loteria with the proceeds going to a non-profit Tu Casa Latina. (East Pueblo Street, Reno NV (corner with South Wells Ave. 11am – 4pm)

November 1:

• Dia de los Muertos Concert: Celebrate with live music at the Yerington Theatre For The Arts which is a venue that was transformed from a schoolhouse. The concert is in Yerington which is about an hour and fifteen minutes from Reno. (Jeanne Dini Center, 120 North California Street Yerington, NV 89447)

November 2:

• Dia de los Muertos Sugar Skull Painting: Learn about coping methods and mindfulness while painting a sugar skull in honor of Dia de los Muertos. Availability is only open to 20 slots via reservation. (9480 Gateway Drive, Suite 100, Reno)

 November 4:

• Dia de los Muertos at the Nevada State Museum: Free cultural event in Carson City at the Nevada State Museum. Festivities will include traditional crafts, music, dance, and there will be a musem sponsored community altar present. (600 North Carson Street Carson City, NV 89701, 10am – 3pm)
• Day of the Dead Social: Celebrate the Day of the Dead with Embrace Dance Company with world champion dance instructors. There will be tango, kizomba and bachata class later in the evening. (4385 Neil Rd, Unit 118, Reno 1pm – 1am)

If you know of any good additions that aren’t on the list, please let us know via Facebook so we may add them!