Dia de los Muertos

Día de los Muertos (translates to Day of the Dead in English) is a traditional Mexican holiday which celebrates friends and family who have passed away. Festivities begin October 31st and continue until November 2nd. Día de los Muertos celebrates the lives of the deceased with food, drink, parties, and activities the dead enjoyed in life. It is believed that the souls of the dead return to visit loved ones and join in on the celebration.

The most noted symbol of the holiday are the painted calacas and calaveras (skeletons and skulls) which can be found in decorations, food and painted on faces. The celebration of Día de los Muertos has gained popularity around the world, particularly among Californians. We love the new twist on Halloween with bright colors and yummy food!

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Top Places to Celebrate Día de los Muertos in California

los Muertos 5K Run

The Los Muertos 5K in San Diego is a vibrant, community-driven event that celebrates life, culture, and remembrance in honor of Día de los Muertos. Set against the backdrop of San Diego’s scenic waterfront, this festive 5K run/walk brings together participants of all ages to commemorate loved ones through movement and unity.

Featuring colorful face painting, traditional altars, and live entertainment, the event blends fitness with cultural expression, offering a unique way to embrace both health and heritage. Whether you're running, walking, or simply enjoying the festivities, Los Muertos 5K is an uplifting and memorable experience that fosters connection and celebration.

Noche de Altares in santa Ana

Noche de Altares in Santa Ana is an annual Día de los Muertos celebration that brings the community together for a vibrant night of culture, tradition, and remembrance. Held in the heart of downtown, this lively event showcases hundreds of beautifully crafted altars (altares) created by families, artists, and organizations to honor and remember their loved ones.

The festival is filled with music, traditional dances, artisan vendors, and delicious Mexican food, creating an atmosphere rich with heritage and spirit. Noche de Altares is not only a visual feast but also a space for reflection and community, inviting people of all backgrounds to participate in this deeply meaningful celebration of life and memory.

Día de los Muertos Festival in Oakland

The Día de los Muertos Festival in Oakland is a vibrant and colorful celebration of life, culture, and remembrance, honoring the traditional Mexican holiday. Held in the heart of the city, this annual event brings together the community to pay tribute to loved ones through art, music, dance, and food. The festival features beautifully crafted altars (ofrendas), live performances by local musicians and dancers, and an array of artisan vendors offering traditional crafts and goods. With a mix of contemporary and traditional elements, the Oakland Día de los Muertos Festival offers a joyous and inclusive space for people of all backgrounds to come together in remembrance, community, and celebration. Whether you're admiring the altars, enjoying the lively entertainment, or savoring delicious Mexican cuisine, this festival is a heartfelt tribute to those who have passed and a vibrant expression of Oakland's diverse cultural heritage.

El Panteón de Sacramento

El Panteón de Sacramento is an immersive and culturally rich Día de los Muertos event that transforms Sacramento’s Centro Latino de Arte y Cultura into a vibrant and meaningful space of remembrance and celebration.

This annual festival honors the Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos by creating a large-scale altar display and offering a range of activities that blend art, culture, and history. Visitors can explore elaborately decorated altars (ofrendas), participate in interactive workshops, and enjoy live music, folkloric dance performances, and traditional Mexican food.

El Panteón de Sacramento is not only a visual spectacle but also a deeply spiritual event that invites the community to honor loved ones who have passed while celebrating life and cultural heritage. The event creates a respectful yet festive atmosphere, making it an important cultural fixture in Sacramento’s vibrant arts and community scene.

Día de Los Muertos Festival in San Diego’s Old Town

The Día de Los Muertos Festival in San Diego’s Old Town is a celebration in one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods. This annual festival honors the Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos, with beautifully adorned altars (ofrendas) set up throughout Old Town to remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed. The streets come alive with vibrant decorations, colorful marigolds, traditional music, folkloric dances, and processions, creating a festive yet reflective atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy face painting, local artisan vendors, and delicious Mexican food, making it an immersive cultural experience for all ages.

Día de los Muertos on Olvera Street in Los Angeles

Held in the historic heart of LA, the cobblestone streets of Olvera Street come alive with the spirit of the holiday, featuring marigolds, sugar skulls, and candles that create an enchanting atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy authentic Mexican food, artisanal crafts, face painting, and family-friendly activities, while also experiencing the cultural richness of Olvera Street’s historical landmarks. With nightly processions and live performances, Día de los Muertos on Olvera Street is both a joyous and reflective event, offering a powerful connection to tradition and community in one of LA’s most iconic cultural hubs.

Hollywood Forever's Lady of the Dead

Hollywood Forever’s Lady of the Dead is an iconic and captivating figure at the heart of the cemetery’s renowned Día de los Muertos celebration. This stunning representation of La Catrina, the elegant skeleton lady symbolizing death and remembrance, is both a work of art and a cultural touchstone. Each year, the Lady of the Dead is adorned with intricate costumes, vibrant flowers, and traditional Mexican symbols, standing as a towering tribute to the ancestors and loved ones being honored. Set against the backdrop of Hollywood Forever’s historic grounds, this figure embodies the spirit of the holiday, blending life, death, and beauty in a visual spectacle. Visitors are drawn to her presence, making her a centerpiece of the festival’s altars, live performances, and cultural displays. The Lady of the Dead at Hollywood Forever is a breathtaking homage to the tradition of Día de los Muertos, symbolizing the unity of life and death in a powerful and memorable way.

SOMA's Annual Día de los Muertos Exhibition

SOMA’s Annual Día de los Muertos Exhibition is a vibrant and reflective celebration of life and remembrance, held in the heart of San Francisco’s South of Market (SOMA) district. This community-driven event showcases an array of beautifully crafted altars (ofrendas) created by local artists, families, and organizations, each honoring loved ones who have passed.

The exhibition blends tradition with contemporary art, featuring vibrant displays adorned with marigolds, candles, and personal mementos, while also highlighting the cultural richness of the Mexican holiday. Visitors can experience live performances, including traditional music and folkloric dance, alongside interactive workshops that explore the meaning and significance of Día de los Muertos.

Annual Downey Día de los Muertos Art Festival

Held in the city of Downey, this family-friendly festival features a wide array of activities, including stunning art exhibits, live music, folkloric dance performances, and interactive workshops. The heart of the festival is its beautifully crafted altars (ofrendas), where local artists and community members create intricate displays to honor loved ones who have passed. Visitors can also enjoy delicious traditional Mexican food, face painting, and artisan vendors offering unique handmade goods.