According to National Geographic Kids, Day of the Dead is a "lively Mexican celebration (which) helps families honor their ancestors. Day of the Dead combines the ancient Aztec custom of celebrating ancestors with All Souls' Day, a holiday that Spanish invaders brought to Mexico starting in the early 1500s. The holiday, which is celebrated mostly in Mexico on November 1 and 2, is like a family reunion—except dead ancestors are the guests of honor. Day of the Dead is a joyful time that helps people remember the deceased and celebrate their memory."
Unfortunately, we have all lost someone close to us and have mourned that loss. Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, is a time to celebrate. For the past few years, I have started setting up an alter in my home with family and friends who have passed away. I share stories with my kids about the people in the photos. Many passed away before my kids were born while others passed away while my kids were too young that they do not have their own memories of them. Because of the stories that I have shared with them, it seems to keep them aware of the memories they are creating today. What I mean by that is, one day I shared with them a memory about my grandpa, who they never got the chance to meet, and I told them how we would sit at the table and play Dominoes together when I was a young kid growing up. I showed them a picture which captured that moment. Once in a while when we play dominoes, my kids will say, "remember when you would play dominoes with your grandpa", and not too long ago, my 4 year old said, "Mommy, remember how you would play games with your grandpa?" I said "yes". He then said, "I played a game with Abuelita when we went camping like you played with your grandpa." It makes me happy to know that although they did not meet many of those close to me who have passed away, my kids are learning about who they were and making connections with their experiences.
Many churches, cities, and various organizations, hold celebrations to honor our ancestors. From something as simple as placing a photo on an altar to huge, elaborate celebrations with live entertainment and food, there are many places you can celebrate your loved ones life and keep the memories alive.
Be sure to check with your local church to see what they will be doing to celebrate Dia de los Muertos.
*Events will be added as made available. You can also check out the Events Calendar for more family friendly fun!
Sept 23rd - Oct 29th (Saturdays and Sundays)
- Dia De Los Muertos
- location: Castle Park, Riverside
- live entertainment, fall activities, traditional Mexican food, and more.
Sept. 29th Friday
- El Baile de Las Calacas
- location: Heritage Museum of Orange County, Santa Ana
- Live entertainment, art, dance, and more
Oct. 7 Saturday
- Día de Los Muertos: Recuerdos de Sabores
- location: Museum of History and Art, Ontario
- artwork, small dishes related to the Day of the Dead holiday, and artmaking activities.
Oct. 7 Saturday
- Muertos Art Walk
- location: Olvera Street L.A.
- local artist, live music, great food, and more
Oct.21 Saturday
- Dia de los Muertos
- location: Rancho Jurupa Regional Park, Jurupa Valley
- Family Friendly, Community Festival
Oct. 22nd Sunday
- Día de Los Muertos
- location: Downtown San Pedro
- entertainment, food, Catrina costume contest, Altar contest
Oct. 25th - Nov. 2nd
- Dia de los Muertos: Viva la Vida!
- location: Olvera Street, L.A.
- Community Altars, live entertainment, Danza de la Muerte, nightly novenario procession, and more
Oct. 25th - Nov. 5th
- Dia de los Muertos Community Altar
- location: R. Jack Mercer Community Bandstand, Ontario
- Families honor their deceased relatives by preparing an offering for an altar that can included photos, food, drink, and momentos of their late loved one.
Nov. 1 Wednesday
Dia de los Muertos (page 9 - 10)
- location: Don Day Center, Fontana
- art, music, food, dance
Nov. 1 - 2 Wed. - Thurs.
- Xantolo, Día de los Muertos
- Location: Paramount
- "Participate by building an ofrenda, volunteer, dress as a catrin or catrina, or come enjoy the festivities."
Nov. 4th Saturday
Riverside Day of the Dead 2023!
- location: Riverside
- Altars, Art and Food Vendor
Nov. 4th Saturday
- Dia de los Muertos
- location: Kessler Park, Bloomington
- altars, car show, live music, vendors, and more
Nov. 4th Saturday
- En Memoria: Dia de los Muertos Celebration
- location: Fairplex in Pomona
- altars honoring the dead, carshow, food, and more.
Nov. 4th Saturday
- Dia de los Muertos at the Historic Asistencia
- location: The Asistencia Redlands
- A cultural & education celebration honoring the traditions of Dia de los Muertos with entertainment and activities in a California landmark.
Date: ?
- Dia de los Muertos Celebration
- location: Rancho Dominguez
- view ofrendas honoring the dead, live performances, Mexican cuisine, and shop from local artisans
Do you know of or are you hosting a Dia de los Muertos celebration? SUBMIT IT HERE!
Don't forget to check out the Fall Guide! Halloween, harvest festivals, and more.
