For the first time, Laramie Main Street is bringing the vibrant and deeply cultural Dia de Los Muertos celebration to downtown Laramie. This inaugural event, scheduled for November 2, 2024, will showcase the beauty and significance of the Mexican holiday, which dates back 3,000 years and honors the souls of deceased loved ones through food, drink, and celebration.

Ana Castro, Program Coordinator for Laramie Main Street Alliance, explained the motivation behind the event, noting its cultural relevance for the community. “The idea for this new event came from Main Street’s goal to bring more culturally relevant programming to the community. We wanted to find ways to connect Downtown with the people who live here but aren’t always visible—Laramie’s Downtown belongs to everyone!” Castro said.

The celebration will take place between 1st and 2nd Street on Grand Avenue, running from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event is open to families and anyone interested in celebrating or learning about Dia de Los Muertos. The day will be filled with traditional festivities, including beautifully crafted ofrendas (altars created to honor deceased loved ones), a lively mariachi band, arts and crafts for all ages, street vendors, and more.

To extend the celebration, Laramie Main Street will also screen the beloved film Coco on November 3 at the Gryphon Theater. Doors will open at 2:30 p.m., with the movie starting at 3:00 p.m., offering a chance to continue honoring the spirit of Dia de Los Muertos.

Gratitude for the community’s support is central to the event’s success, with Ana Castro expressing her appreciation for the outpouring of help from sponsors, partners, and volunteers. “The overwhelming support from our community for this event has been truly heartwarming! With so many moving parts, none of this would be possible without the contributions of our sponsors, partners, and dedicated volunteers. We are in awe of our community and cannot wait for everyone to experience this event!”

Laramie Main Street’s Dia de Los Muertos promises to be a heartfelt and festive occasion, bringing new cultural experiences and a vibrant celebration to the heart of downtown Laramie.