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Spirits of the Past, Celebrated Today: Tubac's Day of the Dead
Spirits of the Past, Celebrated Today: Tubac's Day of the Dead
Spirits of the Past, Celebrated Today: Tubac's Day of the Dead
The Day of the Dead event in Tubac has quickly become a beloved tradition for both locals and visitors alike. Inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Mexico's Dia de los Muertos, this event aims to honor and celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed away.
Since its inception in 2014, the event has grown in popularity, attracting people from all over the region.
In 2014, a group of 5 Tubac business owners and community leaders initiated the event.
Wisdom's Cafe - Celeste Wisdom; Casa Maya of Mexico - Gaby Centeno; Art of Beauty Salon - Donna Dowodzenka; The K Newby Gallery & Sculpture Garden - Kim Roseman;Tubac Presidio State Historic Park Executive Director Shannon Stone
The five Tubac business owners and community leaders who initiated the event had a vision of showcasing the town's vibrant arts scene while also paying homage to the Day of the Dead traditions. During this annual celebration, Tubac transforms into a lively hub of activity. The streets are adorned with colorful decorations, including intricate altars and vibrant papel picado banners. Visitors can explore numerous art galleries that feature unique Day of the Dead-inspired artwork created by local artists.
In addition to art exhibitions, there are also various workshops and demonstrations where attendees can learn about traditional Mexican crafts such as sugar skull decorating or making papel picado. As part of these festivities, mariachi bands and traditional folk dancers will perform live music. Food stalls line the streets, offering delicious Mexican cuisine like tamales, churros, and pan de muerto, a sweet bread traditionally enjoyed during this holiday.
"It was a lovely event and we were so pleased that we could share and educate about the cultural customs of Dia de los Muertos with locals as well as people who are not originally from Southern Arizona. It was a great experience that everyone loved, so it continued and grew," said Kim Roseman from K Newby Gallery & Sculpture Garden.
Families and friends gather at cemeteries to honor their loved ones, decorating graves with marigolds and lighting candles to guide their spirits back to the world of the living. The Day of the Dead celebrations are not only a vibrant display of Mexican culture but also a time for reflection and remembrance. It is a beautiful way to honor and celebrate the lives of those who have passed, creating a sense of unity and connection between the living and the deceased.
Over the years, the Mariachi Apache have become an integral part of the event. Their lively performances during the procession have captivated both locals and visitors alike. The enchanting melodies and rhythmic beats echo through the streets, infusing a sense of joy and celebration into the air.
"Best Small Town Arts Scene"
Spirits of the Past, Celebrated Today: Tubac's Day of the Dead
Spirits of the Past, Celebrated Today: Tubac's Day of the Dead
In recognition of their efforts to promote Tubac and its arts scene, we congratulate the Tubac Chamber of Commerce. USA Today has recognized Tubac as the "Best Small Town Arts Scene," which highlights the town's commitment to creating a vibrant artistic community. As well as recognizing the hard work of the Tubac Chamber of Commerce, this award demonstrates the dedication the city has to supporting and promoting the arts. The Tubac Chamber of Commerce has been able to increase the local economy and cultural significance of Tubac by putting it on the map and attracting tourists. This recognition serves as a testament to the thriving arts scene in Tubac and the positive impact it has on the community.
RRHS’ Sophia Renteria to Compete Nationally
Volunteers are the heart of the organizations
Volunteers are the heart of the organizations
Rio Rico High School wrestler Sophia Renteria secured her spot on the Arizona National Wrestling Team after competing in the AZ-USAW National Qualifier held at Red Mountain High School on March 11th, 2023. The team will represent Arizona in the Fargo Cadet and Junior Nationals in July in Fargo, North Dakota.
Sophia is a girl's junior division competitor in the 117 lb weight class for Rio Rico High School as well as competing in independent tournaments. She ended her senior year with a record of 42-13 thanks to her dedication and an intense training schedule.
Renteria says she trains at the gym every morning before school and attends wrestling practice 3-4 times per week after school. “For the most part, I train with Coach Manny, the assistant wrestling coach at RRHS, he runs a few practices during the week here (RRHS). Outside of that, I travel up to Sahuarita to get on the mat at SHS,” said Renteria.
The team’s season begins in March and competes until the end of July. She will face off against both men and women on the freestyle team. “During the high school season I competed with only girls but going into the freestyle season I look to challenge myself and get more competition by competing in both the men's and women’s divisions,” said Renteria.
She attributes her success to her coaches and parents, “My coaches and parents have been my biggest supporters. They have been with me every step of the way and have helped guide me to where I am today. I would not be the person I am today without them. The coaches are always in my corner and provide me with opportunities to improve. My parents go out of their way to make sure they are always at my tournaments to support me.”
Renteria has used every opportunity to gain as much knowledge about wrestling as possible. In 2022, she refereed at local tournaments and plans to continue this year as well. “It’s a great experience to expand my wrestling knowledge and gives me the chance to give back to the community that has provided so much for me."
Once the freestyle season is over, Renteria says she will continue to wrestle at the collegiate level. “I have received multiple offers from NAIA, NCAA D2, and D3 schools. Currently, I am uncommitted but am looking to make a decision by the end of April. I plan to major in environmental science and hope to work in the national park services.”-Shannon Enciso/Communication Specialist
Volunteers are the heart of the organizations
Volunteers are the heart of the organizations
Volunteers are the heart of the organizations
The non-profit sector contributes to strengthening communities by providing educational, health, and social services that citizens cannot access from the government. Nonprofit organizations, however, can only fulfill their missions with the help of dedicated and passionate individuals who give their time, talent, and treasure to volunteer and serve on nonprofit boards of directors.
As a result of the COVID pandemic, many non-profit organizations in Tubac have lost their volunteers, making it difficult for them to operate. Volunteers are essential to the success of non-profit organizations, so the lack of volunteers has had a significant impact on their ability to provide services to their communities. This has caused many organizations in Tubac to struggle with recruiting volunteers and has put a strain on their operations. Without volunteers, non-profit organizations cannot operate effectively and efficiently.
We have had difficulty finding volunteers to work with local non-profit organizations in the past few months. There is a shortage of volunteers in these organizations, which makes it difficult to carry out our work. Prior to COVID, we had people who were willing to volunteer their time. However, after COVID, a number of the volunteers stopped coming or did not see the importance of volunteering.
Dennis Eshleman, community member from Destination Tubac-Tumacacori, said, "Volunteers are the backbone of any nonprofit organization. There are a variety of opportunities available throughout the year for volunteers to match their passions, skills, interests, and areas of development."
Volunteers are greatly needed in our community in order to help with the various capacities that organizations lack the necessary staff and funding to carry out. Therefore, I would like to encourage people to volunteer their time and energy to these organizations. There are many organizations that are looking for volunteers to help with opportunities outside of their primary focus areas or with more general functions. Your support will have a major impact on the success of these organizations, and it is greatly appreciated.
Volunteer opportunities in the following organizations:
Tubac Center of the Arts (520) 398-2371- Karin Topping
Tubac Presidio (520) 398-2252 - Julie Robinson
Tumacacori National Historic Park (520) 377-5060 - Mike Medrano
Tubac Nature Center - tubac.nature.center.2019@gmail.com Jim Karp
Anza Trail Coalition (520) 841-6944 - Roy Dickover
Friends of the Santa Cruz River (520) 403-2823
Tubac Chamber of Commerce (520) 398-2704
Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and help those in need. It can also be a great way to learn new skills, meet new people, and gain valuable experience. Volunteering can be a great way to make a difference in the world, and it can also be a great way to feel a sense of accomplishment. People should volunteer because it can help them build relationships, learn new skills, and gain valuable experience. It can also be a great way to make a difference in the world and help those in need. Volunteering can be a great way to make a positive impact in the community and make a difference in the lives of those around you.
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