Dia de los Muertos — or Day of the Dead — is a holiday that originated in Mexico but has spread across North America. It is a day where observers believed the souls of loved ones who have passed away can come back for the day and enjoy the things they once loved while alive.
The day is filled with many celebrations whether it’s dancing, music, food or art. It brings families and communities together while they mourn their loved ones while also celebrating who they were when they were alive.
Here is a roundup of events in Southern California celebrating the holiday:
Bowers Museum Mexican Day of the Dead Festival
11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Sunday Nov. 5, 2022
Bowers Key Courtyard and Bowers Kidseum
2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, Calif. 92706
Free. General admission to Bowers Museum and Kidseum is free on festival Sundays for members and Santa Ana residents only.
Catalina Museum Dia de los Muertos Family Festival
5 p.m. – 9 p.m. , Tuesday Nov. 1, 2022
Catalina Museum for Art & History
217 Metropole Ave., Avalon, Calif 90704
Free.
Dia de los Muertos Dinner Celebration 2022
6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Tuesday Nov. 1, 2022
Ysidora Restaurant and Lounge,
Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano,
31692 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, CA
$75 plus gratuities
Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary Dia de los Muertos Service
Noon, Wednesday Nov 2, 2022
Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary,
1702 Fairhaven Ave, Santa Ana, CA, 92705
Free.
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Fullerton College Día De Los Muertos Celebration
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Wednesday Nov. 2, 2022
Fullerton College 321 E. Chapman Ave. Fullerton, CA 92832
Free. Free parking after 4 p.m. in the parking structure off of Lemon St. and Fullerton College Drive.
Saddleback College Dia de los Muertos Celebration
4 p.m. – 9 p.m., Tuesday Nov. 1, 2022
Saddleback College – Fine Arts Courtyard / McKinney Theatre 8000 Marguerite Parkway Mission Viejo, CA 92692
Free. Click here for more info.
San Bernardino Valley College 16th Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration
6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Wednesday Nov. 2, 2022
San Bernardino Valley College,
701 S Mount Vernon Avenue,
San Bernardino, CA
Free. Click here for more info.