A Día de los Muertos Festival is on its way to downtown Phoenix.

Saint Mary’s Basilica, at 231 N. 3rd St., invites the public to its annual gathering from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3.

Admission is free, however non-perishable food donations are encouraged to benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Society. This year’s event sponsors include Catholic Cemeteries & Funeral Homes, and Dignity Health.

Activities for the entire family include a community ofrenda (altar) to honor loved ones no longer with us. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-original photos of their loved ones to place on the altar. Free 5x7 paper photo frames will be provided.

Starting at 12:30 p.m. a community procession with mariachis and St. Mary’s Aztec dancers will take place followed by a blessing of the ofrenda and a butterfly release with “Taps” played by American Legion Post 41.

Live entertainment will follow, including performances by Mariachi Continental Azteca (1-2 p.m.), Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli (2-3 p.m.), and Rhythm Edition (3-5 p.m.).

Look also for an artisan market featuring fine arts and imports from more than 30 vendors, plus more than a dozen local food trucks and a custom car show on site.

Featured artists include Martin Moreno, Veronica Lomeli, Mayra Torres and Pamela Enriquez-Courts.

Emily Costello, from Phoenix, was commissioned to create this year’s Día de los Muertos promotional image. T-shirts featuring the image will be sold with proceeds benefiting the St. Mary’s Basilica Patronato Fund.

(Photo provided by Stephanie Romero)

(Photo provided by Stephanie Romero)