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Breckenridge Día de Muertos + Latin Festival Guide
A Colorado Festival Celebrating Latin Heritage
Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is observed in Breckenridge with a two-day festival that honors loved ones who have passed while sharing the culture of the vibrant Hispanic and Latino communities of Summit County. There are so many things to do in Breckenridge during the Día de Muertos + Latin Festival, one of the most meaningful Breckenridge events produced by Breck Create. Explore our festival guide and join us as we celebrate the traditions, hard work, and creativity of Summit County’s local Hispanic and Latin communities.
For the past 10 years, the town of Breckenridge, Colorado, has come alive with vibrant colors, music, and cultural celebrations as it pays homage to Día de Muertos, or the Day of the Dead holiday. The 2025 Día de Muertos Festival, presented by Breck Create, promises to be an unforgettable two-day event that honors loved ones who have passed while celebrating the rich tapestry of Latine culture. This annual festival, which runs from Friday, October 17th to Saturday, October 18th, is a testament to the power of art, tradition, and community.
Price
FREE
Location
Arts District Campus, Downtown Breckenridge
Festival Event Schedule
The 2025 Día de Muertos Festival promises a rich and diverse array of activities, all of which are free and family-friendly.
Friday, October 17th
5 p.m. Opening Night + Exhibition Reception for Juan Fuentes: Lo Que La Tierra Abraza (What the Land Embraces)
6 p.m. Artist Talk
7 p.m. Candlelight Vigil + Aztec Dance with Grupo Huitzilopochtli at Old Masonic Hall
Saturday, October 18th
12:30 – 1 p.m. Grupo Huitzilopochtli Performance + Processional, Cal Duran Artist Talk, Blue River Plaza
1 p.m. – 6 p.m. Latin Artisan Market ft. vendors, crafts, performances, live music, Riverwalk Center
1 – 5 p.m. Sugar skulls decorating
1 – 5 p.m. Paper flower making
1 – 6 p.m. Facepainting
2:30 p.m. Dance workshop with Grupo Huitzilopochtli
3:30 p.m. Dwende Flamenco and Tres Tumbao
5:00 p.m. DJ Erick + Mercado La Perla authentic Mexican food for purchase
1 – 5 p.m. Drop-In Pan De Muerto (bread of the dead) Workshop, Robert Whyte House
1 – 5 p.m. Drop-In Papel Picado (pecked paper) Workshop, Fuqua Livery Stable
1 p.m. Ojo De Dios (eye of God) Workshop (register on-site at start time), Randall Barn
2 p.m. Photo Workshop with Exhibiting Artist Juan Fuentes (register on-site at start time), Old Masonic Hall
2 p.m. Muertos Mini Formas (miniature shapes of the dead) Workshop (register on-site at start time), Quandary Antiques Cabin
2:30 p.m. Ojo De Dios Workshop (register on-site at start time), Randall Barn
3 p.m. Muertos Mini Formas Workshop (register on-site at start time), Quandary Antiques Cabin
3:30 p.m. Photo Workshop with Exhibiting Artist Juan Fuentes (register on-site at start time), Old Masonic Hall
4 p.m. Ojo De Dios Workshop (register on-site at start time), Randall Barn
4 p.m. Muertos Mini Formas Workshop (register on-site at start time), Quandary Antiques Cabin
Latin Dance Night
6 – 9:30 p.m. Latin Dance Night, Riverwalk Center
6 – 8:30 p.m. Food for purchase by Mercado La Perla6:30 p.m. Performances by Grupo Huitzilopochtli, Summit Colombia Dance, and Chihuahua-Honduras Folk Dance Group
8 p.m. DJ Erick
Expect Free Activities, Live Music + More
All events during the Breckenridge Día de Muertos + Latin Festival are free, family-friendly, and located within downtown Breckenridge’s Arts District and the surrounding areas. The Blue River Plaza serves as a portal into the land of the dead, with towering calaveras (skeletons) by Denver-based artist Cal Duran channeling the souls of our ancestors. Papel picado (pecked paper) line walkways to guide your journey, and everyone is invited to place an offering on the community ofrenda (altar) to honor the loved ones who have passed.
Friday begins with Lo Que La Tierra Abraza (What the Land Embraces), an art exhibition by Juan Fuentes that uplifts the voices of local immigrants, followed by a candlelight vigil featuring a special performance by dance collective Grupo Huitzilopochtli based on ancient Aztec mythology. During the procession, participants will hold candles and walk together in community through downtown Breckenridge, lighting the way for departed souls.
On Saturday, the downtown Breckenridge Arts District transforms into a Latin cultural center with hands-on workshops, face painting, live music, and El Mercado, the largest artisan market hosted to date. The festival culminates with a Latin Dance Night, complete with authentic Mexican food from local favorite Mercado La Perla, additional dance performances, and a DJ spinning hip-shaking Latin tunes.
What to Bring
Family members of all ages
Comfortable shoes for walking and dancing
Warm layers for participating in the candlelight vigil and enjoying outdoor performances
A creative, curious, and adventurous spirit
Gratitude for the many contributions of the local Hispanic and Latino communities
An offering for the ofrenda, such as a photo of a deceased loved one, to place on the community altar
A Cultural Celebration with a Purpose
The Día de Muertos Festival is not just a festival; it’s a profound cultural experience. The event is produced in partnership with esteemed organizations such as the Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) Department of Chicana/o Studies, Mexican Cultural Center (MCC), Chicano Humanities Arts Council (CHAC), Colorado Folk Arts Council (CFAC), and Colorado Mountain Dreamers. Together, they aim to educate the public about this important Mexican tradition and promote inclusivity.
Dr. Renee Fajardo, a key figure in these partnerships, applauds the festival’s growth and Breck Create’s inclusion of Spanish translations on its website and exhibition resources. Dr. Fajardo, who serves as the director of the Journey Through Our Heritage program within the MSU Denver Chicano/a Studies Department, chairperson of CHAC and board member of CFAC, notes, “Breckenridge is more than a ski town—we are all part of a thriving, vibrant experience where our connections to each other are multifaceted.”
Honoring Tradition and Resilience
This year’s festival continues the tradition of the beloved candlelight vigil. The vigil will be held on Friday, October 18th, and the Aztec dance collective Grupo Huitzilopochtli returns to lead the procession. On Saturday, the group will perform and conduct a dance workshop.
According to Dr. Fajardo, the candlelight vigil is significant as it not only honors the departed but lights the way for the souls believed to return during this time of year. It also symbolizes bonding among the living participants, creating a sense of unity and remembrance.
Thank You to Our Partners
Programs are presented in partnership with U.S. Bank, The Summit Foundation, Colorado Creative Industries, Twist Creative Cuisine, and Think 360 Arts for Learning. Funding provided by Bonfils–Stanton Foundation, Colorado Creative Industries, Denver Arts and Venues, Gates Family Foundation, and BGV Gives. The festival is produced in association with Denver’s Metropolitan State University Department of Chicano Studies, Chicano Heritage Arts Council, Mexican Cultural Center, and Mountain Dreamers.
About Breck Create
Breck Create is dedicated to building a dynamic, year-round creative community in Breckenridge. The organization’s mission is to provide inspiring creative experiences that enhance the quality of life for all residents and visitors alike. Through a year-round schedule of performances, exhibitions, screenings, art classes and workshops, Breck Create supports and serves artists, creatives, cultural enthusiasts and the community, fostering a thriving, vibrant arts scene in Breckenridge.
The Arts District Campus, with its renovated historic structures, serves as a hub for artistic activities. The organization manages and operates the Riverwalk Center and offers affordable rentals for local and visiting artist-in-residence participants, making Breckenridge a true haven for creativity.
Connect at the Breckenridge Día de Muertos + Latin Festival
For more than 10 years, Breckenridge has come together to celebrate Día de Muertos by honoring tradition and culture. Don’t miss out on this incredible event that seeks to bridge the communities that, together, make Breckenridge a vibrant and welcoming city.
For more information and a detailed schedule of events, visit our webpage dedicated to the festival. Join us in commemorating Día de Muertos and the rich cultural heritage it represents.