CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Cheyenne Botanic Gardens is once again observing Día de los Muertos with hundreds of flowers, Catrinas on loan from the Denver Botanic Gardens and a wide variety of programs.
The gardens’ celebration runs from Oct. 22 through Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Día de los Muertos is traditionally a two-day celebration of the lives of loved ones who have passed. It began in Mexico and has spread across and beyond Latin America. During these two days, it is believed that a passage between the real world and spirit world opens, allowing deceased loved ones to visit living relatives. This holiday offers a unique and colorful perspective on death that turns a sad fact of life into something beautiful.
The Cheyenne Botanic Gardens is collaborating with the Laramie County Public Library, Wyoming State Museum and Cheyenne Depot Museum to host community celebrations to share the significance of Día de los Muertos. Attendees may take a self-guided tour and add a butterfly to the memorial wall to remember a loved one who has passed any time during the open hours of the event.
Special events will take place over the next two weeks:
- Wednesday, Oct. 23, 6–7 p.m. – Free class: Family Hat Making with Jessica Fernandez Medina
- Saturday, Oct. 26, 1–2 p.m. – Free class: Pressed Flower Skull with Botanic Gardens Director Scott Aker. Space is limited, and attendees must pre-register.
- Tuesday, Oct. 29, 6–8 p.m. – Nichos class with Do Palma: Fee of $22, pre-registration required.
- Friday, Nov. 1, 11 a.m. – Story Time with CHISPA in the Paul Smith Children’s Village
- Saturday, Nov. 2:
- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Bring items to add to the community ofrenda (please bring only copies of photos since the Gardens cannot track originals); take in the floral display and learn about the history of the celebration; get delicious treats and food from local food vendors La Piña Loca and Queso’s Kitchen; paint your own terracotta pot in the classroom; and take home a kid’s activity kit.
- 10:30 a.m. – Performance by Como la Flor Dance Group
- 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Make a marigold art project in the Paul Smith Children’s Village
Additional community events will take place Nov. 2 at the Wyoming State Museum from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and at the Laramie County Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To learn more about the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens and to find registration links for events, click here.
