Join us for the 26th annual Día de los Muertos at the Des Moines Art Center—our largest community celebration of the year. Rooted in Mexican tradition, Día de los Muertos is a time to gather in remembrance, honoring loved ones who have died through joy, ritual, storytelling, food, art, and shared celebration. The Art Center is pleased to help create space for this meaningful community tradition each year.
This year’s theme centers on civil rights, inspired by the phrase ¡Sí Se Puede! (“Yes, we can”), created by Dolores Huerta for the United Farm Workers movement. Together, we honor the people and collective efforts that have strengthened Latino communities in Iowa and across the United States, while reflecting on the power of gathering, shared purpose, and community care.
Visitors will enjoy live music and dance performances, food and art vendors, hands-on art activities, a festive Catrina photo opportunity, a community ofrenda, and a short documentary film featuring this year’s honoree, Felicia Timotea Leon Mullin. Free hot cocoa and samples of pan de muerto will be available while supplies last, and a complimentary shuttle will run from Merrill Middle School for easy parking.
Inspired in part by the Art Center’s current exhibition “Let Us Gather in a Flourishing Way: Contemporary Latinx Painting,” this year’s event reflects gathering, belonging, and the ways communities care for one another. In partnership with Progress Iowa and other community organizations, we’ll also recognize local leadership and the collective work of building stronger communities.
At its heart, Día de los Muertos at the Art Center is about community. It’s a space where art, culture, memory, and shared tradition bring people together. The Des Moines Art Center is proud to be a welcoming and inspiring cultural space for all.
Take advantage of easy parking and a free shuttle from Merrill Middle School, running continuously from 11 am to 3 pm.
Schedule of Events:
11:15 – 11:30 am Bilingual Storytime| Levitt Auditorium
11:30 am Mariachi Los Aguilares | Processional to begin in the Macomber Lobby
12 – 1 pm Honoree Film Screening + KonKultura Dance Performance | Levitt Auditorium
12:30 – 1 pm Music: Carlos Chacon | Upper Parking Lot
12:30 – 2:30 pm Catrina Photobooth | Upper Parking Lot
1:30 – 2 pm Music: Lani Ecclatt | Upper Parking Lot
2 – 3 pm Repeat Film Screening + KonKultura Dance Performance | Levitt Auditorium