Día de los Muertos

Step into a world of color, music, food and tradición at the Phoenix Zoo! Bring the whole family and join us for Día de los Muertos, a joyful celebration of life and remembrance. Spend a day at the Zoo and enjoy vibrant altars, festive performances and family-friendly activities inspired by the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos. Included with general admission or membership Neely Education & Event Center 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. | Ballet Folklórico Amistad 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | Primavera Dance Company 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. | Mi Lindo Sinaloa Folklórico Dance 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. | Colorado Dance Company 10:45 – 11:45 a.m. | Santa Maria Folklórico Ballet Noon – 1 p.m. | Valley of the Sun Folklórico Ballet 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. | Sound and Art 10:45 – 11:45 a.m. | Mariachi Pasión 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. | Valle de Sol Folklórico Ballet 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | Mariachi Charm AZ 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. | Ballet Folklórico Amistad 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. | Mariachi Hermanas del Corazón 10:30 – 11 a.m. | Spanish-Speaking Animal Discovery Spanish-Speaking Cruiser Rides 9:30 am | 10:30 am | 11:30 am | 12:45 pm | 1:45 p.m. $3 per guest, ages 3+ (card only) Enjoy music and activities provided by Radio Campesina and Entravision (KLNZ-FM). Art created in the spirit of the holiday, including paintings, sculptures and pottery, will be available for purchase at the Savanna Grill patio, located across from the Savanna habitat. All of the art was donated by a local art collector and friend of the Zoo, Joe Raymond Collections, with all proceeds from the sale helping to care for the thousands of animals at the Phoenix Zoo. Día de los Muertos is a cherished Mexican tradition that joyfully honors and remembers loved ones who have passed. It is a celebration of life filled with music, food, altars, and memories, recognizing the lasting bond between the living and the dead. Typically observed on November 1 (Día de los Angelitos) to remember children and November 2 (Día de los Difuntos) to honor adults, the full tradition can span October 27 to November 3 , with each day offering special remembrances from beloved pets to family members who have passed on and ancestors. At the heart of the celebration are ofrendas (altars), carefully built with offerings like photos, candles, marigolds, favorite foods, and personal mementos to honor and welcome spirits home. Mexican Marigolds (Cempasúchil): Bright yellow-orange flowers believed to guide spirits with their color and scent Sugar Skulls (Calaveras): Colorful decorated sugar skulls serving as symbols of remembrance and joy Papel Picado: Decorative paper banners representing wind and the fragility of life Pan de Muerto: Traditional sweet bread placed on altars (altares) Catrinas: Elegant skeleton figures that capture the humor and beauty of life and death The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the U.S., caring for over 3,000 animals, with nearly 400 species represented, including many threatened/endangered species. The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the U.S., caring for over 3,000 animals, with nearly 400 species represented, including many threatened/endangered species.