Park Place Mall is inviting the community to celebrate Día de los Muertos with a unique street art festival.
In partnership with the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA), the mall will be transformed into a living canvas of art and culture on Saturday, November 2 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The inaugural festival will feature activities for all ages, including live mariachi music, an All Souls Procession Community Ofrenda, sugar skull and face painting, a Kids Chalk Art Zone sponsored by Rio Nuevo, live 3D chalk art interactive installations and live mural painting.
Additionally, a mural dedication ceremony will take place from 3 – 4 p.m. to unveil the massive 26,000-square-foot piece painted by Jessica Gonzales, titled Sonoran Skylines, a vibrant tribute to Tucson’s cultural energy and desert landscape.
"We are honored to host this inaugural Día de los Muertos festival and to support the rich cultural heritage of our Hispanic community,” said Brighid Dawson, Park Place Mall’s general manager. “This event is a testament to our commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment where art and tradition can thrive. We invite everyone to join us for a day of celebration, remembrance and artistic expression.”
The community ofrenda will be a central focus of the festival, surrounded by candles, piñatas and marigolds. Visitors are encouraged to submit photos of loved ones and 100-word stories or messages to be displayed for the community’s viewing.
During the event, ten talented local artists will adorn the mall with captivating artwork inspired by the imagery of Día de los Muertos:
- Tyson Krank: Painting a permanent mural in the Round One and Total Wine Corridor, known for his bold use of color and movement.
- Rhonda Mullins: Creating a 20’x20’ ground mural at the North Entrance, honoring the memory of her late best friend with vivid natural elements like marigolds and butterflies.
- Jodie Chertudi: Painting a semi-permanent mural in the South Park Place Forever 21 Corridor, showcasing a parade of monarch butterflies carrying photos of loved ones, surrounded by marigolds.
- Peniel Macias: Live painting on canvas, featuring a folklorico dancer and a skeleton in a joyous celebration of the connection between life and death.
- Francisco “Enuf” Garcia: Capturing the essence of Día de los Muertos in a painting inspired by photos taken during celebrations in New Mexico.
- Anthony "Eli" Farias: Showcasing a colorful rendition of “La Catrina,” surrounded by vibrant marigolds, inviting viewers to follow a path of flowers through the mural.
- Viktoriia Kalinina: Presenting an intricate mural of La Catrina accompanied by skeletons of beloved pets, symbolizing the deep bond between people and animals.
- Amy Lanterman: Painting a whimsical interpretation of La Catrina in a festive, celebratory scene that honors the cycle of life.
- Diego Perez: Mural themed Los Colores Ancestrales, reflecting the rich colors and traditions of Mexican heritage in a tribute to his ancestors.
- Bronwyn Dierssen: Showcasing a dual-themed mural titled Dualidad, symbolizing the unity of life and death through a split-figure design.