The Wyoming State Museum is excited to announce its 11th annual Día de los Muertos Family Day on Saturday, November 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This event will celebrate the rich cultural traditions of the Day of the Dead through engaging, family-friendly activities. Hosted in collaboration with the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, Laramie County Library, Cheyenne Depot Museum, CHISPA, and a committee of local community members, this family day provides an authentic and educational experience for anyone who wants to learn more about this unique and often misunderstood holiday.

This year, the museum is thrilled to introduce a special “Ofrenda de Danza” (dance offering) at 9:30 a.m. Led by Lorenzo Ramírez, Founder and Artistic Director of the award-winning Grupo Folklórico Sabor Latino, this spiritual kickoff will honor the indigenous Aztec roots of Día de los Muertos and set a meaningful tone for the day’s festivities.

Additionally, the Capitol City Car Club will be hosting a cruise starting at the Wyoming State Museum at 10 a.m., continuing on to the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens and Laramie County Library.

After the dance offering and cruise, families will be able to drop into the State Museum from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. to enjoy fun and educational activities like:

·  Creating delicious sugar skulls (Calaveras de azúcar)

·  Crafting beautiful papel picado (pecked paper) decorations to take home

·  Learning about the monarch butterfly migration and its connection to the holiday

·  Viewing altars (Ofrendas) set up by community members and students

·  Making mini cup lanterns for your own altars

·  Enjoying dance performances by Las Angelitas Unidas y los Rayos del Sol at 10 AM and El Grupo Como la Flor at 12:30 PM

·  And savoring traditional foods from Sprosty’s Frostys.

To facilitate easy access between venues, the Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley will run from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., connecting the Wyoming State Museum with the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens and Laramie County Library. While riding the trolley, representatives from CHISPA of Cheyenne will share insights on the history and significance of Día de los Muertos.

As with all Wyoming State Museum Family Days, this event is FREE for all ages. Families can find the registration link at wyomuseum.wyo.gov/familydays or register by phone at 307-630-2573.

Family Days are generously sponsored by SCHEELS in Johnstown, CO. The Wyoming State Museum is located in the Barrett Building at 2301 Central Ave in Cheyenne.

Caption: A child attending the Wyoming State Museum's Día de los Muertos Family Day in 2023 carefully decorates a mini lantern.