Arts Council of Park City & Summit County brings Día de los Muertos to life with art, flavors, tradition

PARK CITY, Utah — The Arts Council of Park City & Summit County welcomed the community on Nov. 1 for a Día de los Muertos celebration, transforming CREATE PC into a vibrant space filled with art, food, and traditions honoring loved ones. Held in partnership with Artes de México en Utah and Summit Community Gardens & EATS, the event was designed to immerse attendees in the culture of Mexico’s Day of the Dead while offering education on Latin American traditions.

“Día de los Muertos is a Mexican tradition, and not every Latin American country celebrates it,” explained Andrea Zavala, the Arts Council’s community engagement and inclusion coordinator. “In Ecuador, we do it differently. We eat pan de muerto, have a special drink and special meals, and then visit the graveyard. In places like Puerto Rico, Argentina, and Brazil, they don’t have a Día de los Muertos.”

The celebration featured a range of activities for attendees, including face painting, live art from local creators, and a community ofrenda—a traditional altar created by artist Ramon Ramos to honor deceased loved ones.

“We wanted people to have fun and learn,” Zavala shared. The Arts Council provided traditional foods such as tamales, pan de muerto, and hot chocolate, while a festive soundtrack brought the celebration to life.