Celebrating the life and honoring the memories of loved ones who have died, Día de los Muertos is a unique holiday that brings together a dichotomy of color, tradition, and introspection.
The holiday's origins go back a couple of millennia in Mexico, to the Aztec Empire.
Aztecs had traditions of honoring the dead, believing that when someone died, their spirit went to the underworld. When the Spanish arrived and later conquered the Aztec Empire in the 16th century, they brought along Christianity and Catholicism, infusing the indigenous ritual with All Saints' Day.
When is Dia De Los Muertos?
While celebrations can occur close to Halloween in the United States, Dia De Los Muertos is officially recognized in Mexico on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2, coinciding with All Saint's Day.
While
Christianity and Catholicism preach that there's only heaven and hell, there are multiple places spirits can go once they leave the living world; it just depends on how the person died and how old they were when they died.
Infants, for example, are seen as becoming guardian angels once they leave the living world. That's why the holiday is celebrated on two days: Nov. 1 is in remembrance of the young, and Nov. 2 is for adults.
Why are alters or ofrendas important on Dia De Los Muertos?
The Aztecs made shrines honoring the deceased, which haveevolved into the ofrendas seen today.
There is no correct way to put together an ofrenda. Common items to include are decorated calaveras, cempasúchil marigold flowers, candles, and pan de muerto – Day of the Dead bread.
The distinctive element of it is putting up pictures of loved ones, some of their favorite items from when they were alive, and their favorite dishes or drinks.
Where to celebrate Dia De Los Muertos across California
While Día de los Muertos can be a time of private introspection at home, many places across the state celebrate the holiday with community ofrendas, performances, and other family activities. Here is a selection of some elaborate functions taking place this year.
Los Angeles, San Diego
- Downey Día de Los Muertos Art Festival:The family-friendly event on Nov. 1 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. features arts and crafts, face painting, chalk walk, art displays, and multiple stages of entertainment, including ballet folklorico, artist demonstrations, car alters, and a community altar.
- Forest Lawn - multiple locations:Memorial parks and mortuaries in Glendale, Covina Hills, Cypress, and Cathedral City will hold Día de los Muertos events on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2, including an altar, mariachi, and traditional dance performances.
- Día de los Muertos Festival in Long Beach: Free, family-friendly event on Nov. 1 from 1 to 7 p.m. at Rainbow Lagoon. The event features culturally rich performances, vendors, and a resource fair.
- Día de los Muertos in San Diego's Old Town: A family-friendly festival from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, where visitors can tour more than 40 altars, enjoy a variety of art and activities at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, and hunt for street market treasures. Visitors can join in the candlelit procession.
San Francisco Bay Area
- 22nd Annual Michailhuitl Día de Muertos at History Park in San Jose:Organizers want attendees to celebrate Mexica culture at this free, family-friendly event with kids' activities, live entertainment, food trucks, artisanal arts and crafts, face painting, vendors, contests, ofrendas, and more. The event is held from Oct. 31-Nov. 1.
- Day of the Dead procession in San Francisco: In its 45th year, the nighttime procession in the Mission District starts at 7 p.m. on Nov. 2 at 22nd and Bryant Streets, according to Project SF.
- Día de los Muertos Festival in Oakland: The 31st annual event takes place on Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Fruitvale Village, and features live music, family-friendly games, rides and activities, and community altars.
Sacramento
- El Panteón de Sacramento: The family-friendly event takes place at the Latino Center of Art and Culture and features live music and dance performances, plus more than 30 community altars, from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Honor the dead at these California holiday events
