Michael Heralda returns to Scottsdale, sharing sights, sounds and stories from the Aztec culture, bringing to life the beauty and consciousness of this ancient society with his engaging interactive performances.

Michael has been presenting his educational, musical and interactive cultural programs since 1995, but the real beginning was in 1993 when this songwriter/poet/storyteller created the Aztec Stories program. It was conceived as an all ages presentation designed to recall and demonstrate the beauty and high level of development of this ancient society from an indigenous perspective.

The creation of the “Aztec Stories” program was followed in 1994 by the release of Michael’s first CD titled “Aztec Stories”, and expansion of the program release, moving into live presentation in 1995. Since then, his second and third CDs have been recorded and released, and his short story: “A man who works the land” was published in “Cantos Al Sexto Sol” -An anthology of Aztlantahuac Writing published by Wings Press and edited by Cecilio García-Camarillo, Roberto Rodríguez, and Patrisia Gonzales.

The presentations are a thought provoking and intriguing way of connecting to the culture of ancient Mexico and the indigenous Mexika (me-shee-ka)/Aztecs. For some the “Aztec Stories” experience may reawaken awareness of a rich ancient legacy. For others it may bring a new understanding of a culture who’s focus was upon art, beauty and philosophy.

Supporting musicians working with Michael weave a rich tapestry interactive of ancient lore and interest, tailored specifically to entertain and educate attending audiences. Stories, ballads, and narratives presented are all true and based upon accounts of what is termed “oral tradition”; -stories handed down from generation to generation.

Other themed programs offered by Michael:

• Aztec Stories - Spring Program

• Oral Tradition Storytelling

• The Origins of Dia de los Muertos

• A Visit with Motecuhzoma - Ruler of the Mexica People (A first-person account of the life and times of Huey Tlatoani Motecuhzoma Xocoyotzin – the 9th elected ruler of the Mexica people)

• The Seven Warrior Foods of the Mexica People

• Instrument Making Workshop & other lectures

Michael has performed for many family festivals, symposiums and conferences, has been interviewed on national radio, appeared on the TV show: “Behind the Artist”, and contributed music for four films: “Weaving the Past” and “Living of the Dime”, and two independent student films.

Michael’s Awards include:
1. Durfee Arc Grant

2. Elaine Weissman L.A. Treasures Award (3)

Michael’s website: AztecStories.com provides ongoing information and details about his appearances, programs, musical instruments and expansion of ancient lore and information.

Come attend this FREE Day of The Dead Festival with the whole family at the Old Adobe Mission, 3817 N Brown St., in Old Town Scottsdale AZ.

Friday Noveber 2 at 4pm the Grand Opening celebration begins with Noche de Ofrendas: “An Evening of Offerings” featuring music, storytelling, authentic Aztec and Baile Folklorico dance performances, in addition to Day of the Dead grand scale art and altars.

Saturday and Sunday, November 3 & 4  from 9 AM until 9 PM the festival continues, with the Scottsdale Dia de los Muertos  Giant Sculls, Fine art Installations by internationally known artists and grand scale altars remaining open.

Hosted  by the City of Scottsdale and Experience Scottsdale, and held in downtown Scottsdale, at the Old Adobe Mission, The event provides a fun, culturally informative and entertaining experience for the whole family.

Scottsdale Dia de los Muertos is presented by LORE Media and Arts, who wish to thank the City of Scottsdale, and Experience Scottsdale for hosting this event, and the Old Adobe Mission (Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Parish), for Sponsoring and partnering.

#AzDia  •  #ScottsdaleDia  •  #LoreMediaAndArts * #DayoftheDead • #DiadelosMuertos

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]]>Day of the Dead - Old Adobe Mission, Scottsdaleloreproductionsllc@gmail.com (Lore Media)Meet the ArtistFri, 19 Oct 2018 00:18:02 +0000https://scottsdale-dia-de-los-muertos.squarespace.com/scottsdale-dia-de-los-muertos-news-blog/2017/10/4/meet-the-artist-grandeza-mexicana-folk-ballet-company59a437e43e00be0c32fe6c84:59b04d8203596e0e1f6ffd29:5bc909b0e5e5f05d2c070f52LORE Media & Arts is proud to present the famed Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company to the Scottsdale Dia de los Muertos, in Scottsdale, Arizona on November 2, 2018 (4:00 PM to 10:00 PM)

Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company (GMFBC) is a nonprofit performing arts organization founded by Jose Vences in September 2003. It currently has more than 40 dancers. The company was formed to advance the field of Mexican folk ballet and to enhance the public's appreciation for the diversity and depth of Mexican culture. Backed by careful research, Grandeza Mexicana's work is committed to preserving the traditions and customs of Mexico's historic past and promising present.

The company has achieved recognition for it's strength, artistic flair, use of elaborate costuming, and commitment to quality. Grandeza Mexicana has garnered many awards, including the Lester Horton Award for costuming. Los Angeles' premiere Mexican folk dance company has performed at the Music Center for the L.A. County Holiday Celebration, the Terrace Theater, the Center for the Arts in Sacramento, the Marjorie Luke Theater in Santa Barbara, the Ford Theater, the Alex Theater, and the Skirball Cultural Center.

They have performed alongside accleaimed artists, such as the world-famous Jose Feliciano, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan, Mariachi Sol de Mexico, Luis Miguel, Shaila Durcal, and Lila Downs.

Watch Grandeza Mexicana at the Ford Theater!

www.scottsdalediadelosmuertos.com

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]]>The Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company Returns for 2018loreproductionsllc@gmail.com (Lore Media)PRESSThu, 18 Oct 2018 22:10:27 +0000https://www.scottsdalediadelosmuertos.com/scottsdale-dia-de-los-muertos-news-blog/2017/10/18/for-immediate-release-scottsdale-dia-de-los-muertos-nwgfn59a437e43e00be0c32fe6c84:59b04d8203596e0e1f6ffd29:5bc901287817f79f2a82f2adFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Scottsdale Dia de los Muertos 2018 offers a Free Family Fun Event for Everyone

Cross cultural experience, entertainment, large scale artwork, and family fun to be had at the Day of the Dead celebration

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA, OCTOBER 8, 2018 - The Scottsdale Dia de los Muertos grand opening event begins Friday November 2, 2018 at 4:00 PM and ends at 10:00 PM, with viewing to continue through the weekend. This celebration offers a unique, entertaining, and larger than life cross cultural experience for all attendees.

The City of Scottsdale, and Experience Scottsdale are proud host of the 2018 Dia de los Muertos celebration, to be held at the Old Adobe Mission in downtown Scottsdale. The event will be free of charge, and Day of the Dead makeup and attire are encouraged.

Grandeza Mexicana, the premier Mexican ballet folklorico company in the U.S., and LORE Media & Arts have teamed up with the Old Adobe Mission (Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Parish) with the City of Scottsdale, to host the event. These entities have worked to create a community-focused event intended to bring people of all cultures together, while learning about Day of the Dead traditions. and intentions.

Scottsdale’s Dia de los Muertos event will celebrate this ancient Aztec ritual ofremembering the dead and mocking death itself. Larger than life fine art installations,altars, paintings, performances, family activities, music, dance and an interactive community altar will be displayed, to bring communities together.

The grand opening event Noche de Ofrendas: An “Evening of Offerings” will feature some of the most compelling and entertaining performances of the event, including the Arizona Diamondbacks presentation of their newly created Los Dbacks Grand Scull. The Evening of Offerings runs from 4:00 pm until 10:00 pm. Art and Altars will be open November 3 and 4, from 9:00 am until 9:00 pm.

LORE Media & Arts’ Robert Ramirez, spokesman for Scottsdale Dia de los MuertScottsdale Dia de los Muertos 2018 offers a Free Family Fun Event for Everyoneos said, “We are encouraged by the large attendance of last year’s Scottsdale Dia de los Muertos event, and wish to invite everyone
to witness this regional event, focusing on large scale art, altar offerings and Dia de los Muertos inspired cultural performance to create and reinforce cross cultural bonds. Dia de los Muertos places focus on family, community, and issues of life and death.”

The Old Adobe Mission is among the oldest buildings in Scottsdale, constructed in 1933. Recently renovated, it has become a center for community events. The venue serves as a beautiful and timeless backdrop for the Scottsdale’s Dia de los Muertos celebration.

A new Dia de los Muertos large scale Art collective co-curated with Lucretia Torva and featuring 15 local artist will be unveiled during the celebrations. Marcus Pollitz (Tournament of Roses Float and sculpture artist), will be joined by famed national Aztec storyteller Michael Heralda. The event will also feature performances by internationally recognized Aztec ceremonial dancers Grandeza Mexicana, and Zarco and Carmen Guerrero, local art leaders and founders of Cultural Coalition and Phoenix Dia de los Muertos will collaborate and perform a musical presentation during Friday’s “Evening of Offerings”.

About
Scottsdale Dia de los Muertos 2018

Scottsdale Dia de los Muertos 2018 is a free to attend, family focused event where attendees can learn about and celebrate The Day of the Dead in downtown Scottsdale.

Hosts: The City of Scottsdale and Experience Scottsdale

Presenters: LORE Media & Arts, the Old Adobe Mission and Grandeza Mexicana are thrilled to offer this event, full of fun, culture, music and dance.

Contact

Robert Ramirez

Scottsdale Dia de los Muertos 2017

Phone: 310-625-7386

E-mail: loreproductionsllc@gmail.com

Website: https://www.scottsdalediadelosmuertos.com/

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.@lorepromedia Art Director Marcus Pollitz talks about the #DiadelosMuertos Fountain Art Installation 💀 #DowntownDia pic.twitter.com/p0BTZ22ujN

For generations, waterways have served as a means of transport, transition, and influence between regions and people. Spiritually, they are regarded as a passageway for offerings to the gods and to the underworld, which has played a significant role in death and dying traditions in both pre-European contact and post-contact eras.

Dedicated to loved ones past and the prospect of rebirth, the vessels are adorned with elements associated with the 4 Directions (Suns). Among the offerings is the iconic image of the Catrina or “Lady of the Dead.” She rides atop a decorated floating vessel filled with marigolds and elements associated with the 4 directions. The Catrina is both the guiding vessel for the accompanying floral altars and the whimsical focal point of this tribute.

Created by Marcus Pollitz and LORE productions

Marcus Pollitz is one of the main artists that works on the art and design of the large-scale installations for LORE Productions. 

This year, Marcus and LORE have created a brand new installation as a water feature for the Los Angeles, Grand Park LA, Dia de los Muertos celebtration called, "Offerings of the Dawn Passage." 
Reminicent of Xochimilco and Mexico City, 9 floral vessels are set adrift on the water. They capture the essence and heart of Janitzio/ Patzcuaro’s Day of the Dead celebrations of November 2nd. And, they pay homage to the 9 levels that the dead face on their journey to Mictlán, as their soul transitions to the underworld upon their death.

Interesting News articles on Marcus:

KTLA INTERVIEW TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADE FLOATS

LA TIMES INTERVIEW AND STORY

Lore Productions is proud to present Michael Heralda, the premiere Aztec Storyteller in the United States, as part of the Scottsdale Dia de los Muertos at the Old Adobe Mission event in Scottsdale, Arizona this Nov 2-5, 2017 Please join us a the event and learn more about this amazing artist below!

Michael Heralda

...is an artist, songwriter, storyteller and poet.  Since 1995 Michael has shared his interactive Aztec Stories presentations with interested listeners and participants of all ages across the United States. 

A short list of presentation venues include:

• The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian (in New York and Washington DC)

• Lincoln Center’s Out-of-Doors Festival (New York, NY)

• The HEARD Museum (Phoenix, AZ)

• The Southwest Museum (Los Angeles)

• The Autry National Museum (Los Angeles)

• The National Museum of Mexican Art (Chicago, IL)

• The Yale Peabody Museum (New Haven, CT)

• The Getty Museum (Los Angeles, CA)

• And at over 300 K-12 Schools and libraries across the U.S.

Supporting musicians typically include members of his family (his wife, son, daughter, and grandsons) depending on the types of presentations scheduled.

Born in Los Angeles, California, in 1951, Michael’s interest in music and art began at an early age being influenced by his mother and uncle who were both self-taught musicians.

Michael performs on instruments that include: numerous hand-made indigenous styled instruments from the Mexica/Aztec and Mayan culture.  One of Michael’s music mentors is Xavier Quijas Yxayotl.

In 1993 Michael created his Aztec Stories program – a cultural, educational, musically interactive presentation for all ages.  It was designed to share the beauty and highly developed society of the Mexica/Aztec culture from an indigenous perspective.

In 1994 he recorded his first CD titled “Aztec Stories.”  Since then Michael has recorded his second and third CDs and had a short story titled “A man who works the land” published in “Cantos Al Sexto Sol” - An Anthology of Aztlanahuac Writing published by Wings Press and edited by Cecilio García-Camarillo, Roberto Rodríguez, and Patrisia Gonzales.

In addition to his popular Aztec Stories presentations Michael has also developed the following themed programs:

• A Spring-Time Program

• The Origins of Dia de Los Muertos

• A first-person account of the life and times of Huey Tlatoani Motecuhzoma Xocoyotzin – the 9th elected ruler of the Mexica people.

In addition, Michael has participated in numerous family festivals, conferences, symposiums and has been interviewed on local as well as nationally syndicated radio stations, appeared on the TV Cable show “Behind the Artist,” and has contributed music for two documentary films, one titled “Weaving the Past” and the other titled “Living on the Dime,” as well as two independent student films.

Awards:

1. Durfee Arc Grant

2. Elaine Weissman L.A. Treasures Award (3)

You can read more about Michael Heralda at https://www.aztecstories.com/

www.scottsdalediadelosmuertos.com

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]]>Meet the Aztec Storyteller - Michael Heraldaloreproductionsllc@gmail.com (Lore Media)PRESSMon, 18 Sep 2017 21:34:21 +0000https://scottsdale-dia-de-los-muertos.squarespace.com/scottsdale-dia-de-los-muertos-news-blog/2017/9/18/thank-you-la-county-fair59a437e43e00be0c32fe6c84:59b04d8203596e0e1f6ffd29:59c03a797131a5ef5fcad313

The Grand Skulls, In front of Millard Sheets Art Center, Fairplex Pomona, LA County Fair. Copyright 2017 LORE Media. LA County Fair Dia de los Muertos and Scottsdale Dia de los Muertos at the Old Adobe Mission promotion.

Sept. 18, 2017 - Los Angeles, CA -  Scottsdale Dia de los Muertos and Latino Artists on the front page of the LA County Fair! Currenlty, the top shared fair page in the world! Thank you LA County Fair - you are awesome! We love working with you. Check out the LA County Fair at  http://lacf.com/#

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]]>Thank you LA County Fair!loreproductionsllc@gmail.com (Lore Media)Meet the ArtistThu, 07 Sep 2017 17:00:43 +0000https://www.scottsdalediadelosmuertos.com/scottsdale-dia-de-los-muertos-news-blog/2017/9/7/meet-the-artist-heriberto-luna59a437e43e00be0c32fe6c84:59b04d8203596e0e1f6ffd29:59b16e7c8fd4d28029724764

LORE Media is proud to present collaborating artist for the Scottsdale Dia de los Muertos at the Old Adobe Mission, Heriberto Luna. Born in Mexico City in 1976, Heriberto Luna immigrated to the United States a year after. Of 6 children, he is the second to the youngest. Heriberto Luna comes from a colorful background. His grandfather was one of Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata’s soldiers, and his father was in the Mexican army. His grandmother was a Mayan shaman, fluent in two indigenous languages.

LORE MEDIA - Shared Video

LORE Productions shares the LA-Artist.com film, produced by Oliver L. Shipley, about artist Heriberto Luna. Mr. Luna is a contributing artist of the Scottsdale Dia de los Muertos at the Old Adobe Mission with LORE Productions.

Graduating from Franklin High School, in Los Angeles, Luna was surrounded by gangs but found his salvation at age 16 in the arts. At La Tierra de la Culebra, an urban art park in North East LA, he developed his skills as an earth sculptor and painter. Combined with his passion for performing Aztec dancing as both a dancer and a drummer, the artistic exposure gave him focus and strengthened his resolve to rise above the bad circumstances around him.

During 2002 and 2005 Luna apprentice on major mural projects with L. A’s most influential muralist team the East Los Streetscapers, and artist Paul Botello. Luna met Los Angeles artist Margaret Garcia and in 2002 he apprenticed with her and with New Mexico Master artist Pola Lopez. The result of all that hard work is clear, as Luna has exhibited in over 35 major Museums thus far, among them such prestigious locations as: The Santa Monica Museum of Art, The National Mexican Fine art Museum in Illinois and The Museum of History and Art in Ontario, California. Beyond that, Luna’s works have become part of major art collections at Arizona State University and in 2006 Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa presented him with an award of recognition for his accomplishments in the arts; Luna has also been awarded two artist-in-residence grants from the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs department. As his art career continues to bloom, Luna remains dedicated to under privilege youths, he is currently teaching arts classes for Theatre of Hearts and serves as a mentor.

Heriberto Luna’s success is measurable on many different levels yet what makes him most proud is seeing the young people that he has worked with turn to the community and become mentors themselves. Some have gone on to achieve gallery and museum showings as well. Withal, Luna’s bold colors juxtaposed with ancient inspiration and strong commitment to the future of his community bring a powerful and profound statement to the art world and beyond. Scottsdale Dia de los Muertos at the Old Adobe Mission is truly excited to have Mr. Luna involved with our celebration.

Selected Group Exhibitions

2014 Santa Monica Museum of , 10th Annual Incognito Auction, Santa Monica, CA 2013 The Autry National Center Museum, Day of The Dead, Skulls Exhibit , Los Angeles, CA 2013 The DA Gallery center for the arts, Aztlan The Next Decade Con Safos, Pomona, CA 2013 Museum of History and Art, Ontario Jury Art Exhibition, Ontario, CA 2013 Santa Monica Museum of Art, 9th Annual Incognito, Santa Monica, CA 2012 Ave 50 studio gallery ,The 8th annual holiday sale, CA 2012 La Galeria Gitana, Equinox Solstice, San Fernando,CA 2012 The Autry National Center Museum, Day of The Dead, installation , Los Angeles, CA 2012 The Museum of History and Art of Ontario, El Dia De La Muertos, Ontario, CA 2012 Museum of Contemporary Art, FRESH Art Auction, Los Angeles, CA 2011 Forest Lawn Museum, Adelante! Mexican American Artists: 1960s and Beyond',Glendale, CA 2011 Fremont Gallery, PASTELS, Pasadena, CA 2011 SPARC Gallery , IGNITE, Los Angeles, CA 2011 Santa Monica Museum of Art, 7th Annual Incognito, Santa Monica, CA 2010 The Autry National Center Museum, Day of The Dead, Los Angeles, CA 2010 The Museum of History and Art of Ontario, El Dia De La Muertos, Ontario, CA 2010 Santa Monica Museum of Art, 6th Annual Incognito, Santa Monica, CA 2010 Xico Inc. Gallery, El Arte De L.A , Chandler, Arizona, CA 2009 Overtones Gallery, 'PANDEMIC SHOW', Los Angeles, CA 2009 The Natural History Museum, CRLA Tardeada Traveling Exhibit , San Diego, CA 2009 Ave 50 studio, Testimonies Two  Contemporary Ex Votos, Los Angeles, CA 2009 Museum of Contemporary Art, FRESH Silent Art Auction, Los Angeles, CA 2009 Santa Monica Museum of Art, 5th Incognito, Santa Monica, CA 2008 Museum of Anthropology, Arizona State University, Ancient Ofrenda: Elementan Altar,Tempe,AZ 2008 Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery, Silent Auction and Exhibition, Los Angeles, CA 2008 The Museum of History and Art, El Dia De Los Muertos, Ontario, CA 2008 The Southwest Museum of the American Indian,Mayan-Inspired works solo exhibit Los Angeles,CA 2008 Santa Monica Museum of Art, 4th annual Incognito, Santa Monica, CA 2007 Blue Bird Art House Gallery, Solo Exhibit, Whittier, CA 2007 Bowers Museum, A Celebration of Life, Installation, Santa Ana, CA 2007 The DA Gallery, Blurring the Line, Pomona, CA 2007 Museum of History and Art, Ofrendas, Ontario, CA 2007 Millicent Rogers Museum, Turquoise Jubilee Action, Taos, NM 2007 Santa Monica Museum of Art,3th Incognito, Santa Monica, CA 2007 Museum of History and Art, Ontario Jury Art Exhibition, Ontario, CA 2006 Museum of Latin American Art, Dancing with the Dead, Long Beach, CA 2006 Museum of History and Art, Dia de los Muertos, Ontario, CA 2006 The DA Center for the Arts, Into the Future, Pomona, CA 2006 Latino Art Museum, Chicano Now, Pomona, CA 2006 El Museo Instituto Cultural De Baja California, Velvet, Tijuana, Mexico 2006 Millicent Rogers Museum, Turquoise Jubilee Auction, Taos, NM 2005 Millard Sheets Gallery, Latino Artists of L.A, Pomona, 2005 Santa Monica Museum of Art,2th Incognito, Santa Monica, CA 2005 National Museum of Mexican Fine Art, The Journey Home, Chicago, IL 2005 The DA Center for the Arts, Emerging from Aztlan, Pomona, CA 2005 National Hispanic Cultural Center, Tesoros, Albuquerque, NM 2005 Museum of History and Art, Ontario, Juried Art Exhibition, Ontario,CA 2005 Harwood Museum, La Madre Poderosa, Taos, NM 2004 Museum of History and Art, Dia De Los Muertos Art Exhibition, Ontario, CA 2004 Latino Art Museum, Biennale, Pomona, CA 2004 Sub Gallery, University of New Mexico, Colores, Albuquerque, NM 2004 Latino Art Museum, Strangers In Our Own Land, Pomona, CA 2003 Museum of Anthropology, Arizona State University, Latino/a Art Auction and Symposia,Tempe, A 2003 Angels Gate Cultural Center, Seeing Red, San Pedro, CA 2003 DA Center for the Arts, Returning to Aztlan, Pomona, CA 2003 Galleria Mundo, Los Angeles, When the Stream Spirit Rises, CA 2002 Galeria Mundo, Mujer como un rio-Woman like a river, Los Angeles, CA 2001 Galeria Mundo, Day of the Dead, Los Angeles, CA

~ Biography written by Fine Art America

Follow Heriberto Luna on Facebook

#scottsdalediadelosmuertos

The grand opening evening will be a Noche de ofrendas: An evening of offerings, celebrating with music, performers, storytellers, arts and crafts, and more! Nov 2nd from 4pm-10pm. Bring the whole family!

Meet Grandeza Mexicana, The Old Adobe Mission & Lore Productions, your hosts for the celebration...

GRANDEZA MEXICANA FOLK BALLET COMPANY was founded by Jose Vences in September 2003. Currently, Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company has over 30 dancers and is a non-profit performing arts organization. The company was formed to advance the field of Mexican folk ballet, enhance the public’s appreciation for the diversity and depth of Mexican culture, and to present high-quality dance productions.

The Mission of the Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet Company is to perpetuate and showcase the splendor of Mexican Folk dance, and to cultivate and promote public awareness and appreciation of this rich and diverse cultural heritage.

The Old Adobe Mission is a true historic monument. Its beauty and simplicity of design, and the quiet majesty of the structure continues to call people to contemplation and serenity – truly, a still point in a turning world.

In 2000, Fr. Thomas Hever, Pastor of OLPH, determined that the little building needed to be restored for the community. A group of parishoners formed a committee dedicated to the restoration of the original, historic church. Their goal is to return the mission to a center of quiet and reflection for locals and tourists.

Lore Productions, LLC is based in Los Angeles, California. They specialize in a variety of folklore musical performers, world-class artists, cultural events, and much more.  Offering a wide range of unique services, Lore Productions can nurture, manage, partner and represent artists, and conceptually develop your special project. In addition to the production of events we also specialize in logo-brand identity development such as creative website design, marketing consultation and professional film & photography.

www.scottsdalediadelosmuertos.com

Keep an eye on our blog to meet some of the artists and performers for this year's event!