SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Each year, Día de los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead, is celebrated on Nov. 1-2. The celebrations are rooted in 3,000-year-old rituals of the Olmecs, Toltecs, Mixtecs, Zapotecs, Maya and Aztecs. The Mexican festival honors the spirits of the dead, which are believed to return home during this time to be with their relatives.
Celebrations consist of building altars, which vary widely depending on the culture, and presenting food and beverage offerings to honor the souls of the departed.
Looking to learn more about the celebrations and take part in the festivities? There are plenty of events you can attend across Northern California!
Is there a Día de los Muertos event we missed that we should include? Let us know by emailing us at raceandculture@abc10.com.
Día de los Muertos Fiesta 2024
The California Museum is hosting its annual Día de los Muertos Fiesta. This year, the museum will unveil a new exhibit, "Arte de Inspiración: Día de los Muertos 2024." Attendees will get the chance to meet the exhibit artists and enjoy traditional performances, food and drinks, as well as sugar skull workshops and hands-on activities for kids. There's fun for the entire family! Learn more HERE.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 12 from 6-10 p.m.
- Where: California Museum (1020 O St., Sacramento)
- Cost: SOLD OUT
Día de los Muertos celebration
Join the Gardenland Northgate Neighborhood Association and Mayor Pro Tem Karina Talamantes for a celebration that will culminate in a screening of the 2017 Disney and Pixar film, "Coco." Throughout the event, there will also be traditional performances and altars hosted by various community organizations! Learn more HERE.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 26 from 2-8 p.m.
- Where: Northgate Park (2825 Mendel Way, Sacramento)
- Cost: FREE
Souls of the City: Día de los Muertos Festival
Sacramento's largest Día de los Muertos celebration is back again! The 13th annual Souls of the City Festival, founded and organized by Sol Collective, will bring together thousands of people for a night of tradition and community connection. There will be live performances, art installations, community vendors and more. You'll also get the chance to participate in traditions such as making sugar skulls and flower crowns. Learn more HERE.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 26 from 4-9 p.m.
- Where: Old Sacramento
- Cost: FREE
Día de los Muertos 2024
Why not start your Día de los Muertos celebrations with great food and entertainment? Mesa Mercado will be hosting a dinner event that will take attendees through four-courses, cocktails and entertainment. Learn more and buy your ticket HERE.
- When: Wednesday, Oct. 30 from 5:30-8 p.m.
- Where: Mesa Mercado at the Milagro Center (6241 Fair Oaks Blvd., Carmichael)
- Cost: $80/person
El Panteón de Sacramento
The Latino Center of Art and Culture is kicking off its 15th annual El Panteón de Sacramento, the organization's largest event of the year that draws in tens of thousands of people over the course of three days! The weekend-long celebration will include 40 community altars, dozens of artisanal vendors, traditional food and drinks, as well as performances from dance groups from all over California. Learn more and buy your ticket HERE.
- When: Nov. 1 from 6-9 p.m., Nov. 2 from 12-10 p.m., Nov. 3 from 12-4 p.m.
- Where: Latino Center of Art and Culture (2700 Front St., Sacramento)
- Cost: $5 for adults
Día de los Muertos Street Fiesta
Día de los Muertos celebrations aren't just in Sacramento. Join the Mexican Heritage Center & Gallery for one of its largest community based events — a Día de los Muertos community street fiesta that will span multiple blocks! There will be live performances, children activities, food and cultural vendors, a Catrina pageant, as well as street art and face painting. Learn more HERE.
- When: Saturday, Nov. 2 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Where: Mexican Heritage Center & Gallery (111 S. Sutter St., Stockton)
- Cost: FREE
Día de los Muertos community event
Celebrate Día de los Muertos at Bryte Park in West Sacramento with free food, music and family fun! There will be various games, including piñatas. Learn more HERE.
- When: Sunday, Nov. 3 from 12-4 p.m.
- Where: Bryte Park (425 Todhunter Ave., West Sacramento)
- Cost: FREE
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