Walk Through A Sea Of Skeletons At The Tucson Botanical Gardens' Day Of The Dead Display In Arizona
By Katie Lawrence|Published October 29, 2020
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Katie Lawrence
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Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
It’s hard not to be fascinated by the iconic skeletons associated with Day of the Dead, and the Tucson Botanical Gardens is offering a chance to see them firsthand. Although the holiday only takes place on the first two days of November, larger-than-life skeleton sculptures will be up all month long. Marvel at the exhibit, learn about the history and customs of the holiday, and enjoy the vibrant, celebratory atmosphere.
Tucson Botanical Gardens has received numerous accolades, including the title of "Best Secret Garden in America" by Reader's Digest.
Larger than life skeleton sculptures by Ricardo Soltero, a Los Angeles-based artist, dot the grounds, making for a vibrant, whimsical display the whole family will enjoy.
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Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday that takes place on November 1 and 2.
Despite its macabre-sounding name, the holiday is actually about celebration rather than mourning. Family and friends gather, pray for, and honor the lives of their late loved ones, often visiting cemeteries, building altars, and parading in the streets.
A satirical depiction of Mexican women who adopted upper-class European styles and traditions, the cartoon has since become synonymous with Day of the Dead.
These 8- to 9-foot sculptures represent various figures from Mexican culture.
In your short visit, you'll learn quite a bit about the holiday, including its origins, customs, and evolution over time. Pictured here is an ofrenda, or altar, which honors the deceased using sugar skulls, Aztec marigolds, and their favorite foods and beverages, among other items.
Visit the gardens during business hours (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily) to see the exhibit.
Additionally, special evening hours have been implemented from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday-Sunday. The display is set to lights and sound at night, so don't miss it!
Address: 2150 North Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85712.
Tickets are $15 for adults age 18-61, $8 for children age 4-17, and $13 for college students, military, and seniors. Member adult admission is $10, while member children get in for $5. Children ages 4 and under are free.
The exhibit is organized by Denver Botanic Garden. Visit the Tucson Botanical Gardens website or Facebook page to learn more and/or purchase tickets.
Have you gotten a chance to see this amazing Day of the Dead exhibit yet? If so, let us know all about your experience! Check out our previous article for another botanical garden in Arizona worthy of a visit.
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