The season of calaveras (skulls), papel picado (perforated paper), pan de muerto (bread of the deceased) and cempasúchil (marigold) flowers has arrived in Sacramento. Originating in Mexico and across the Americas - Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a holiday celebrated on Nov. 1 and 2 that stems back more than 3,000 years. It is an opportunity for families to gather and honor their ancestors and loved ones who have gone into the spirit world.

The celebration is said to have emerged from an Aztec ritual known as ‘Miccailhuitl,’ where they believed the dead had a brief window to leave the spirit realm and visit their loved ones in the mortal world.

When the Spanish arrived in the Americas, they brought with them Christianity and Catholicism, ‘All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, respectively, and the result was a syncretization with traditional indigenous ceremonies. The holiday has gained enormous popularity in the United States, and particularly here in Sacramento as families gather to honor and remember their loved ones by creating altares (or altars) that include a photo(s) of the deceased, ofrendas (offerings of their favorite foods and activities), cempasúchil (marigold) flowers as well as items that provide the representation of the four elements, such as a candle or copal (incense) for fire, a cup of water, and papel picado (to represent wind and earth).

Across Mexico and the Americas, people build these altares in cemeteries or graveyards. We welcome you to take part in the many Día de los Muertos activities and celebrations taking place across the Sacramento region and to learn more about this beautiful holiday.

 

Event Name / Location

Date

Sol Collective & Sacramento History Museum / Souls of the City

 

Old Sacramento Waterfront

Saturday, Oct. 22- 5:00 pm – 10 pm

 

Latino Center of Art and Culture - El Panteon de Sacramento

October 28, 29, 30, 2022

Friday, Oct 28- 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Saturday, Oct 29- 10:00 am - 10:00 pm

Sunday, Oct 30- 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

 

The California Museum Day of the Dead event

Friday, October 14, 2022

6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Dia de los Muertos

Mesa Mercado (Ernesto Delgado Restaurant)

Thursday, October 27, 2022

5:30 pm

Día de los Muertos Festival

The Washington Neighborhood Center

Saturday, October 29

12:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Dia de los Muertos –

Pachamama Coffee

3644 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95834

Sunday, October 30

10:00 am – 1:00 pm

La Kermes Dia de los Muertos –

Family Event (live music, face painting, prizes)

Chando’s Cantina

Sunday, October 30

3:00 pm - close

Dia de los Muertos – Altar, Mariachi & Face Painting.

ZOCALO Midtown & all locations

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

ALL DAY