Celebrate Dia de Los Muertos in Des Moines
Dia le Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a festival celebrated in Mexico and other places worldwide to honor loved ones who have passed away. It’s also a way to remind us to enjoy life. Although it’s called “dia” (day), it’s held over two days on November 1st and 2nd. There are fiestas with music and dancing, delicious food including pan de muertos (bread of the dead), and beautiful cempasuchil (marigold) flowers. The Aztecs believed the scent of flowers would help their ancestors find their way back home.
Families and communities create altars decorated with ofrendas (offerings) to honor the deceased. Ofrendas may include candles, flowers, calaveras (skulls), pictures, and special items that were important to loved ones.
There are many great events in the Des Moines Metro to celebrate this special time.
4th Annual Dia de Los Muertos Tribute
Where: Union Park in Des Moines
Date: Saturday, October 5 from Noon to 4 p.m.
You are invited to the 4th Annual Dia de los Muertos Tribute sponsored by the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Held during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Tribute honors those lost to gender-based violence and serves as a beacon of hope and healing for Iowa communities.
They invite the community at large to come together to remember the names, faces, and stories of loved ones lost too soon to violence. Attendees are encouraged to bring a photograph of their loved ones to honor their memory and share stories and the names of those who have departed us too soon. The event will include live music and performances, food and drink, free carousel rides, face painting and other children’s activities.
Dia de Los Muertos
Where: Jester Park Nature Center in Granger
Date: Sunday, October 27 at 10:30 a.m.
Cost: Free but registration required by October 25
This unique event is an incredible opportunity to learn about the history of this beautiful tradition, explore deep connections with nature, and engage in themed crafts and activities that celebrate the lives of those we’ve loved and lost. In the two weeks leading up to the big day, we invite you to drop off a cherished photo of a loved one who has passed away. These photos will be lovingly displayed on our Nature Center ofrenda (altar), creating a heartfelt tribute to their memory. Don’t worry—photos can be picked
up one week after the program.
Day of the Dead/Dia de Los Muertos
Where: Des Moines Art Center
Date: Sunday, October 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free with option to purchase items from vendors
Celebrate this transformative Mexican Indigenous tradition with us at the Des Moines Art Center’s 2024 Day of the Dead event — Day of the Dead: Youth of the Eternal Flame! This festive, free, family-friendly gathering features hands-on art activities, food, music, a Catrina costume contest, and an ofrenda (altar) designed by young artists from Al Éxito with the guidance of artists Siricasso and Dawn Martinez Oropeza.
Dia de Los Muertos: Pottery Painting
Where: Five Monkeys in West Des Moines
Date: Saturday, November 2 at 2 p.m.
Cost: $10 per person. Purchase a ticket online.
Join Five Monkey’s for a vibrant celebration of Día de los Muertos! Join them for a fun-filled pottery painting session. Express your creativity by painting your own sugar skulls or other traditional designs.
Design and decorate your own piece of pottery, and receive prizes and snacks.
Event ticket is required and you’ll pay for your pottery the day of the event. Everyone must have a ticket and everyone paints.
Capitol Park Dia de los Muertos Fall Party
Where: Union Park in Des Moines
Date: Saturday, November 2 from 3 to 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Capitol Park Neighbors would like to invite you to their neighborhood Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) fall party! Their event is sponsored by the Polk County Board of Supervisors.
This day is an opportunity to celebrate! They celebrate the lives of loved ones we have lost. They celebrate the diversity in our community. And they celebrate being able to come together! Additionally, the event will feature dancers from GFJovenes Embajadores DSM!
Located at Union Park by the shelter and splash pad. Capitol Park will provide hot cocoa and pan de Muertos (Mexican sweet bread). Plus, there will be candy, piñatas, a bouncy house, face painting, and much more!
Celebrate Dia de los Muertos
Where: Central Library in Des Moines
Date: Saturday, November 2 from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Learn about this cultural tradition from Mexico. Try some tamales, pan de muerto, and Mexican hot chocolate. See the ofrenda and catrina created by Latinx Immigrants of Iowa in partnership with DMPL. Enjoy the movie Coco (2017), crafts, Catrina costume contest, a special Luchador Storytime for kids plus much more!
Honorable Mention: Keep an eye on Monarca Paleta’s social media page as they let us know they may have something special to celebrate Dia de los Muertos as well.
