About this Event
TUCSON, AZ — De La Vega Art Gallery announces Memoria Viva, a month-long Día de Muertos Festival taking place October 24 through November 21, 2026.
Rooted in Mexican tradition and shaped by the many cultures, migrations, and family histories that meet in Tucson, Memoria Viva invites the community to remember not only those we have lost, but also what they continue to give us.
“Día de Muertos reminds us that love does not disappear,” says Mariana De La Vega, Founder and Artistic Director of De La Vega Art Gallery. “Through art, we create space to remember the people, stories, and cultural roots that continue to guide us. This festival is an invitation to gather, create, and honor what we carry in our hearts.”
At the center of the festival is a juried art exhibition featuring artists whose work engages with memory, ancestry, migration, identity, grief, devotion, and regeneration. Selected artists will be presented within a contemporary exhibition and living cultural festival featuring a Community Ofrenda, public programs, and Open Studio Tours. Through painting, mixed media, installation, and collaborative work, participating artists explore Día de Muertos as a living and evolving cultural language.
Curated by Mariana De La Vega and Karyn Holyk, Memoria Viva expands remembrance into transformation: memory takes form, absence becomes presence, and cultural identity continues to evolve through artistic interpretation.
The festival also features La Ofrenda Comunitaria: Memoria Viva, a participatory installation where visitors are invited to contribute a name, written memory, flower, photograph, or symbolic offering in honor of someone they love and remember.
Throughout the month, visitors can experience artist-led workshops, live art, interactive experiences, and the gallery’s participation in Open Studio Tours. The festival also includes La Mesa de los Recuerdos, an intimate Día de Muertos VIP dinner experience centered on art, storytelling, wine, and connection. The festival concludes with a Closing Celebration & Awards Night featuring a live folklórico dance performance and recognition of participating artists.
Festival Highlights
Opening Reception for the Memoria Viva Exhibition & Inauguration of La Ofrenda Comunitaria
Saturday, October 24 · 5–7 PM
Mini Ofrenda
Thursday, November 5 · 5–7:30 PM
Día de Muertos at The Crossing: Art Show a Cultural Presentation by De La Vega Art Gallery
Voyager 55+ Resort
Saturday, November 7 · 6–8 PM
Open Studio Tours at De La Vega Art Gallery
November 13–15 · 10 AM–3 PM
.Día de Muertos Festival Closing Celebration & Awards Night
Saturday, November 21 · 5–7 PM
Media Opportunities
Interviews are available with Mariana De La Vega and Curatorial Director Karyn Holyk. The media may photograph the Community Ofrenda, contemporary artworks, artists at work during Open Studio Tours, interactive experiences, La Mesa de los Recuerdos, and the live folklórico dance performance on November 21. Interview scheduled upon request.
Media Contact
Mariana De La Vega
Founder & Artistic Director, De La Vega Art Gallery
520-392-6639
delavegaartgallery.com
About De La Vega Art Gallery
De La Vega Art Gallery is a Tucson-based cultural space founded by Latin American multidisciplinary artist Mariana De La Vega. The gallery brings together art, culture, and community through contemporary exhibitions, artist residencies, workshops, and experiences rooted in creative expression and human connection.
ART · CULTURE · COMMUNITY
Agenda
🕑: 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Opening Reception for the Memoria Viva Exhibition & Inauguration-Sat, Oct 24
Info: Celebrate the opening of Memoria Viva with the inauguration of the Collective Community Ofrenda, the Community Altar Contest, and the Catrina & Catrín Competition, honoring Día de los Muertos tradition, culture, and living memory.
🕑: 05:00 PM - 07:30 PM
Mini Ofrenda- Thurs, Nov 5
Info: An intimate workshop to create a small retablo honoring a loved one, ancestor, meaningful place, or guiding presence.
🕑: 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Día de Muertos at The Crossing: Art Show a Cultural Presentation- Sat, Nov 4
Info: Voyager 55+ Resort
🕑: 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Open Studio Tours at De La Vega Art Gallery- Nov 13-15
Info: Meet the artists, experience works in progress, and enjoy live art and interactive community experiences.
🕑: 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Día de Muertos Festival Closing Celebration & Awards Night-Sat, Nov 21
Info: Featuring a live folklórico dance performance, artist awards, and the final opportunity to experience La Ofrenda Comunitaria: Memoria Viva.
Event venue
De La Vega Gallery, 1918 East Prince Road, Tucson, United States
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