The Bay Area is celebrating Día de Los Muertos Nov. 1-2
Visit the tallest Catrina in the US now in Fruitvale until Nov. 5. Photo courtesy of Mercury News.
Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a traditional Mexican holiday that honors the life and memory of loved ones who've passed away. From Nov. 1-2, families welcome their ancestors home for a jubilant reunion featuring colorful Ofrendas (altars), Cempasúchil (marigolds), and tables with offerings of traditional foods and drinks.
To learn more about Día de los Muertos or support Mexican-owned businesses, visit one of several cultural centers and districts throughout the Bay. A few include Calle 24 Latino Cultural District (the Mission District), Unity Council (Fruitvale), and the Mexican Heritage Plaza (San Jose).
Unity Council hosts its 31st Día de los Muertos Festival on Nov. 1. Photo courtesy of Estefany Gonzalez for The Oaklandside.
Events to attend
Oakland Museum of CA | Oct. 26 11 am-4 pm | Lake Merritt
The Oakland Museum of CA (OMCA) hosts the 32nd annual Día de los Muertos Community Celebration, a vibrant day honoring the people, traditions, and stories that connect us across generations. Across the campus, discover ofrendas created by community members, each offering a personal reflection on the lives and legacies of loved ones and ancestors. Browse the mercado for handmade goods, altar items, and Día de los Muertos–inspired art from local makers. Bring a picnic, gather with family and friends, and spend the day in OMCA’s gardens. Take BART to Lake Merritt, and OMCA is 0.2 miles away.
Avenida de Altares | Oct. 31 5:30-10:30 pm | Berryessa/North San Jose
The 10th annual Avenida de Altares is back at the Mexican Heritage Plaza. Families and community members will gather to celebrate and transform East San José into a vibrant tapestry of culture and tradition. Guests can explore a community altar gallery, join hands-on art activities for all ages, browse an artisanal vendor market, and enjoy colorful face painting. The cultural center is 1.7 miles from Berryessa/North San Jose at 1700 Alum Rock Ave.
Día de los Muertos Festival in Fruitvale | Nov. 1 10 am-5 pm | Fruitvale
The Unity Council's Día de los Muertos brings over 100,000 people to the vibrant, culturally rich Fruitvale neighborhood. Live music, rides and activities, traditional Latin American artisans, and stunning altar installations make it one of the region's most popular Día de los Muertos festivals. Exit BART at Fruitvale and follow the music to the event, 0.1 mile away.
Tenderloin Street Fair: Día de Muertos Celebration | Nov. 1 2-8 pm | Civic Center/UN Plaza
Into the Streets invites neighbors and visitors to honor loved ones, celebrate life, and uplift the Latino communities that help shape the Tenderloin and San Francisco. Día de Muertos Street Fair returns to the Tenderloin, filling Golden Gate Avenue with live Latin music, dance performances, lucha libre, ofrendas, local food, an outdoor bar, and a free family zone with a petting zoo, bumper cars, and more. Take BART to Civic Center/UN Plaza; the event starts 0.3 miles away on Golden Gate Ave. at Larkin St.
Festival of altars | Nov. 2 8 am- 9 pm | 24th St Mission
The Festival of Altars was created in 1992, and it's run every year since. The community comes together for a full day of altar preparations, workshops, and cultural ceremonies. Altar installations begin at 8 a.m.; ceremonies will follow at noon, then entertainment will run from 5-9pm. The public is welcome to join at any time. Portrero de Sol Park is 0.9 miles from 24th St Mission.
Photo courtesy of Enlace Latino NC.
Businesses to support
Families spend the first nights of Día de los Muertos decorating Ofrendas. They light candles, place photographs, and lay out marigolds to guide the spirits back home. Ofrendas include traditional foods, or offerings, like Pan de Muerto and family favorites, alongside family photos. Here are a few businesses where you can find Día de los Muertos decor, flowers, foods, and more to decorate your home and ofrendas. You can also support dozens of mom-and-pop shops in Fruitvale and the Mission District.
Casa Latina Bakery | 1805 San Pablo Ave. | North Berkeley
Corazon de Pueblo | 4814 International Blvd. | Fruitvale
Berryessa Flea Market | 1590 Berryessa Rd. | Berryessa/North San Jose
Fruitvale Public Market | 3341 E. 12th St. | Fruitvale
Luz De Luna | 3182 24th St. | 24th St Mission
Terrasol | 1526 California St. | Civic Center/UN Plaza
