Tohono Chul Celebrates Chiles, Chocolate and Day of the Dead

Tohono Chul’s annual Chiles, Chocolate and Day of the Dead Festival returns Saturday, Oct. 31, with a full day celebrating the flavors, art and traditions of the Southwest. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., families can explore Día de los Muertos traditions throughout the gardens.

Expect live mariachi music, folklórico dance performances, and tastings from Tucson chocolatiers and chile and salsa vendors. Cooking demonstrations run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Overlook.

Educator talks include a Chiltepin Talk and Ben’s Bells in the Children’s Garden. Photo spots are set up around the property, including the horse sculpture, Drew’s saguaro sculpture, and the Arboretum Cantina.

Local and regional artists will sell handcrafted textiles, artwork, and one-of-a-kind gifts, and the Tohono Chul nursery will sell chiltepins and marigolds. Kids get their own lineup from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Children’s Garden.

Free crafts include chile pepper piñatas, calavera masks, and flower crowns. Desert Divas will offer Día de los Muertos face painting, and Sami’s is hosting a paint party.

Don’t miss the Día de los Muertos altars exhibition on the Exhibit House Patio. Local artists and students created the colorful artwork, handmade altars, and personal ofrendas on display.

The exhibit also features a community altar where guests can leave recuerdos (remembrances) for loved ones who have passed. Those recuerdos will be carried to Tucson’s All Souls Procession on Sunday, Nov. 8, and burned in the Burning of the Urn Ceremony.

The exhibition stays open through Nov. 8. Tickets General admission: $25 Members: $20 Kids 2 to 17: $10 Under 2: free Details and tickets are available at https://tohonochul.org/event/chiles-chocolate-day-of-the-dead/ .

Learn more about Tohono Chul at https://tohonochul.org/ . If you go Date: Saturday, Oct. 31 Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte, Tucson, AZ 85704 Phone: 520-742-6455 Web: https://tohonochul.org/