Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a vibrant and meaningful celebration rooted in Mexican tradition. It’s a time to honor and remember loved ones who have passed, with festivities that include creating ofrendas (altars), decorating with marigolds, and enjoying traditional foods and treats. Unlike the somber tone of some cultures’ mourning practices, Día de los Muertos is a joyful occasion that brings family and friends together in celebration of life and memory.
This year, Backyard Taco invites you to join the celebration! On November 1st, from 6-8 PM, all six of our Arizona locations will host a special Día de los Muertos event, featuring free face painting for kids and other fun treats for the family. Whether you’re familiar with the holiday or discovering it for the first time, this event is the perfect way to experience the spirit of Día de los Muertos with your local community.
What is Día de los Muertos?
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a cherished Mexican holiday celebrated annually on November 1st and 2nd. The tradition dates back to the Aztecs and other indigenous peoples of Mexico, who believed that the souls of the deceased returned to the world of the living for these two days. Far from being a time of sorrow, Día de los Muertos is a vibrant, joyous occasion, filled with love, remembrance, and celebration of life.
Central to the holiday are the ofrendas, or altars, built in honor of loved ones who have passed away. These altars are adorned with photos of the deceased, candles, marigolds (known as cempasúchil), and offerings of their favorite foods and drinks. Symbolic items like sugar skulls (calaveras) and colorful paper decorations add to the festive atmosphere. Families gather at cemeteries to clean and decorate graves, share meals, and tell stories about their loved ones, keeping their memories alive.
Food also plays an essential role in Día de los Muertos, with dishes like pan de muerto (a sweet bread), tamales, and other traditional Mexican foods served during the celebrations. It’s a time when the veil between the living and the dead is believed to be thin, allowing families to reconnect with the spirits of their ancestors in a joyous and meaningful way.
Celebrating Locally in Arizona
Arizona, with its rich Mexican heritage, embraces Día de los Muertos in a big way. Across the state, cities and communities come together to honor this cultural tradition with events, parades, and festivals that capture the spirit of the holiday. From Phoenix to Tucson, you’ll find beautifully decorated altars, face painting, traditional music, and dancers celebrating the vibrant history of Día de los Muertos.
Some of the most popular Día de los Muertos events in Arizona include the Mesa Arts Center’s annual Día de los Muertos Festival, where families can enjoy live performances, participate in crafts, and visit community altars. In Tucson, the All Souls Procession attracts thousands of participants each year for one of the largest gatherings in the state, with an impressive parade and artistic tributes to those who have passed.
This year, Backyard Taco is bringing that same cultural celebration to our six Arizona locations. We invite you and your family to join us on November 1st from 6-8 PM for a special Día de los Muertos event. Not only will you get a chance to experience the vibrant energy of the holiday, but there will be plenty of activities to enjoy, including free face painting for kids, traditional decorations, and special treats.
This event offers a fantastic opportunity to gather with your local community, share in the holiday’s spirit, and enjoy some delicious Mexican food. Whether you’ve grown up with Día de los Muertos or are looking to learn more about it, our celebration welcomes everyone to experience this meaningful tradition.
Join Us for Día de los Muertos at Backyard Taco
This Día de los Muertos, Backyard Taco invites you and your family to celebrate with us on November 1st from 6-8 PM at all six of our Arizona locations. We’re hosting a fun-filled event that offers something for everyone, with activities that capture the spirit of the holiday while bringing the community together.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Free Face Painting and Activities for Kids – Bring the little ones along for a fun day of free face painting and special activities just for them. Kids can get their faces painted like colorful calaveras (skulls) or choose any fun design they like!
- Food Specials for the Whole Family – Enjoy delicious food at a great price with our family-friendly specials. Whether you’re craving tacos, burritos, or our signature bowls, we’ll have something for everyone to enjoy.
- Music and More – Celebrate with festive music that adds to the lively atmosphere. This event is all about fun, community, and togetherness, so you won’t want to miss the chance to enjoy it with family and friends.
Join us for an evening of celebration, culture, and delicious food as we honor Día de los Muertos with the Backyard Taco family!
Why Día de los Muertos is Important to Backyard Taco
At Backyard Taco, we take pride in celebrating and honoring the rich cultural traditions that shape our menu, our team, and our community. Día de los Muertos is more than just a holiday—it’s a deeply meaningful tradition that resonates with the spirit of family, remembrance, and connection. This celebration is a way for us to recognize and share our Mexican heritage with our community in Arizona.
Food plays a central role in Día de los Muertos, as families prepare the favorite dishes of their loved ones who have passed on, offering them as part of their ofrendas (altars). At Backyard Taco, we strive to honor this tradition by offering authentic Mexican food that celebrates the flavors, ingredients, and culinary heritage passed down through generations. Every taco, burrito, and bowl we serve connects back to those same traditions, making our food a tribute to the culture that inspires it.
Hosting a Día de los Muertos event is our way of bringing people together in the same spirit of joy, remembrance, and community. It’s an opportunity for families to connect, for children to learn more about the cultural significance of the holiday, and for everyone to share in the celebration. For us, it’s about more than just food—it’s about honoring the roots of the dishes we serve and creating a space for people to enjoy time with their loved ones, whether past or present.
We are excited to share this special occasion with all of you, bringing a piece of Mexican tradition to Arizona through this celebration at Backyard Taco.
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with Backyard Taco
As Día de los Muertos approaches, Backyard Taco invites you to be a part of this beautiful celebration of life, culture, and family. On November 1st, from 6-8 PM, all six of our Arizona locations will come alive with the spirit of the holiday, offering free face painting for kids and plenty of fun for the entire family. Whether you’re familiar with Día de los Muertos or experiencing it for the first time, our event provides a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Mexican culture while enjoying the delicious, authentic food that connects us all.
Mark your calendars, bring your loved ones, and join us at your nearest Backyard Taco location to celebrate together. Follow us on Instagram and keep an eye out for more details leading up to the event. We look forward to sharing this special night with you!
Dr. Tyler loves tacos! He is one of the owners of Backyard Taco, and can sometimes be found moonlighting there at night or on the weekends.
Dr. Tyler Robison is an alum of Mesa’s Mountain View High School. He graduted from Brigham Young University before being accepted to the “Top Ten-nationally ranked” University of Louisville in Kentucky, where he earned his Doctorate in Dental Medicine and a Master’s Degree in Oral Biology. He graduated with honors in the top ten percent of his class. Dr. Robison continued at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco, where he received a second master’s degree in dental science and his orthodontic certification.
Dr. Tyler enjoys serving in his community. He is a provider for the Smile Back Foundation, which offers scholarships for free dental treatment to underprivileged East Valley students. He is also a Major in the U.S. Army Reserve and served during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2008.
Dr. Tyler Robison’s favorite pastimes include spending time with his family on the lake, at the beach, or on the slopes. He is an avid and crazy snowboarder! He has three incredible sons and one sweet daughter: Caden, Jace, Crew, and Bliss.
