Tonight, Latinos around the globe will come together to celebrate Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a vibrant holiday taking place on the first two days of November. This festive occasion honors and cherishes the memories of departed loved ones through a rich tapestry of cultural practices, one of which is the setting up of altars.
Residents of Orange County are invited to partake in several exciting, free events over the weekend, hosted by various organizations including museums, libraries, and community centers. Here are some standout celebrations for Día de Los Muertos:
**Friday, November 1**
**Yorba Linda Celebration:** Attend the festivities at the Yorba Linda Cultural Arts Center featuring children’s crafts, live entertainment, and food trucks, along with an ofrenda displayed in the lobby. The event is from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., located at 4802 Lakeview Ave., Yorba Linda, CA 92886.
**Santa Ana Cemetery:** Celebrate Día de Los Muertos by picking up children’s crafts and traditional Pan de Muertos at the Santa Ana Cemetery at 3:00 p.m. Ofrendas may also be created at gravesites. The address is 1919 E. Santa Clara Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92705.
**Mission San Juan Capistrano Altar:** Visitors can place a photograph of a loved one on a community altar at this historic mission, available from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 26801 Old Mission Rd., San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675.
**San Clemente Festival:** The 2nd annual Día De Los Muertos celebration at Max Berg Plaza Park will run from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., featuring altares, art contests, and traditional dance performances at 1100 Calle Puente San Clemente, CA 92672.
**El Toro Memorial Park:** Families can pick up marigold bouquets and craft kits for children while building personal ofrendas on gravesites at 3:00 p.m. at 25751 Trabuco Rd., Lake Forest, CA 92630.
**Saturday, November 2**
**Anaheim Cemetery Celebrations:** Enjoy live ballet folklorico dancing and mariachi performances from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 1400 East Sycamore St., Anaheim, CA 92805.
**Noche de Altares:** Join the annual celebration featuring altars, live entertainment, and food from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at 4th Street between Ross and Broadway, Santa Ana, CA.
**Los Alamitos Costume Contest:** Experience a Dia de Los Muertos costume contest and other festivities from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at 10961 Reagan St, Los Alamitos, CA 90720.
**Viva La Vida Festival:** Attend this vibrant event in downtown Santa Ana from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for more music, food, and cultural traditions at 309 W 4th St., Santa Ana, CA 92701.
**Sunday, November 3**
**Anaheim Haskett Branch Library:** Take part in an Alebrije craft activity from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 2650 W Broadway, Anaheim, CA 92804.
**Bowers Museum Celebration:** Enjoy a free family festival filled with music, dance, and cultural food from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 2002 North Main St., Santa Ana, CA 92706.
**Monday, November 4**
**Irvine Barclay Theatre:** Experience Mariachi and Ballet Folklorico performances from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 4242 Campus Dr., Irvine, CA 92612.
The array of activities planned showcases cultural heritage and communal spirit, drawing connections between generations and helping families honor their loved ones in a joyous and meaningful manner. For those aware of additional free public events, please reach out to Voice of OC for inclusion.
This vibrant celebration promotes unity and understanding, creating a profound sense of belonging while preserving beautiful traditions. The shared experiences of remembering and celebrating life offer hope and strength to communities, encouraging the next generation to embrace their cultural roots.