Here are 10 places to celebrate Day of the Dead in Southern California – Press Telegram

Celebrating loved ones who have passed away is making a comeback Day of the Dead events planned throughout Southern California.

The Day of the Dead, which falls on November 1 and 2, is a combination of Aztec rituals and Catholic beliefs, centered on an altar made up of offerings to commemorate the dead. But since it’s a holiday, there’s also music, dancing and food involved in the festivities.

Here are 10 places in the area where you can celebrate the Day of the Dead.

Bowers Museum

If: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. November 6

where: 2002 North Main St., Santa Ana

Details: Bring photos of loved ones who have passed away — including pets — to place on the altar during this free event. And bring your dancing shoes, because the day will be filled with musical performances, including Mariachi Anacatlan and Mariachi Kids, Los Cuates playing traditional Mexican music, and classical guitarist Joel Acevedes. Free samples of Mexican hot chocolate and tamales will also be on sale.

Price: Free

information: bowers.org

Day of the Dead in Moreno Valley

If: 6-10 p.m., Friday, October 28

where: Moreno Valley Community Amphitheater, 14075 Frederick St, Moreno Valley.

Details: Spanish language lovers rock legends Mann would like to participate in this event. No, the band won’t be there, but the next best thing, tribute band Corazon de Maná, will headline the day, which will include altars, food and art vendors, and Michelado Garden.

Price: Free

information: movement.org

Dia de los Muertos at the historic Asistencia

If: 12:00-7:00 p.m., November 5-6

where: The Asistencia, 26930 Barton Road, Redlands

Details: This 19th-century outpost for Mission San Gabriel’s Rancho San Bernardino held its first Day of the Dead event last year, and it was such a success that it expanded to two days this year. Guitar quartet Los Romeros plus Ballet Folklorico Cultural and other musical acts will be the backbone of the celebration. Other activities for the day are still being worked out, but expect altars and community offerings for those who have passed.

Price: The event is free, but organizers ask for a $5 donation.

information: eventbrite.com

Dia de los Muertos Fiesta

If: 14-21, Saturday, October 29

where: St. Isidore Historical Plaza, 10961 Reagan St., Los Alamitos

Details: Show your competitive spirit because this free Day of the Dead celebration will include a costume contest, as well as an altar display contest and, of course, folkloric dancers, face painting and food stalls.

Price: Free

information: stisidorehistoricalplaza.org

Dia de los Muertos Perris

If: 14-20, Sunday, October 30

where: Railroad Museum, 2201 S. A St., Perris

Details: The Railroad Museum will serve as the backdrop for this free celebration, which will include altars and art exhibits, as well as a dining room dedicated to the cuisine of Michoacán, Mexico. Young talent will also be showcased during the Altars of the Dead contest, created by K-12 students. Or find your own talent at the piñata workshop.

Price: Free

information: bnrca.org

Downtown Santa Monica

If: October 28-November 2

where: Third Street Promenade, 1351 Third St. Promenade, Santa Monica.

Details: Three blocks of the Third Street waterfront will be transformed into a Day of the Dead sculpture walk with nine La Catrina sculptures on display. Created by Los Angeles-based artist Ricardo Salter, the sculptures depict a female skeletal character, some reaching 14 feet tall. They are all dressed in brightly colored Mexican outfits. And on October 30 at 6 p.m., the Santa Monica Ballet Folklorico will perform on the waterfront in the 1300 block.

Price: Free

information: downtownsm.com

Big park

If: from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. until November 2

where: 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles

Details: A downtown Los Angeles park celebrates Day of the Dead with a 12-day altar display that runs through Nov. 2. People can walk around the park and see several professional altars made by artists and community organizations. People are also encouraged to add items to the community altar created by Self Help Graphics.

Price: Free

information: grandparkla.org

Hollywood Eternal Cemetery

If: 9 am to 3 pm and 5 pm to midnight, Saturday. October 29

where: 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles.

Details: It’s one of the largest Day of the Dead celebrations ever, with thousands expected for two events at the more than 120-year-old cemetery. The day will begin with a more family-oriented “Dia de los Muertos” from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will include a children’s playground with performances by the Bob Baker Puppet Theatre, cultural performances, a chocolate-making workshop and a ceremony at 11am. procession through the cemetery. “Noche de Los Muertos” will start at 17:00 and will have more of a party atmosphere with several bands and dancers performing on three stages. The evening will be headlined by San Diego retro soul band Thee Sacred Souls. During the day, people can also explore the hundreds of altars displayed throughout the cemetery, listen to tunes from DJs, and see Aztec and other traditional dancers.

Price: Tickets for the daytime event start at $35. Tickets for the night’s events start at $55.

information: ladayofthedead.com

Museum of Latin American Art

If: 11:00-20:15, Sunday, October 30

where: 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach

Details: Dance acts, face painting, sugar skull-making classes and co-directing “The Book of Life” will all be part of the museum’s Day of the Dead celebration. The day of free celebration will include cultural dance performances by companies such as Ballet Folklorico Aztlan de CSUN and Danza Azteca Xochipilli. This will be followed by a Q&A with Jorge Gutierrez, co-director of The Book of Life. After the questions and answers, there will be a screening of the film.

Price: Free

For information: molaa.org

Riverside Day of the Dead

If: 1-10 pm on November 5

where: Market Street between University Avenue and 14th Street

Details: It’s the city’s largest event, with about 30,000 people expected to attend the day-long street party that spans six blocks in downtown Riverside. The free celebration includes an altar display in White Park, live music from several bands performing on two stages, a Katrina costume contest, a lowrider car show, Folklorico dancers and food vendors. And for a little sporting activity, there will be a lucha libre ring where wrestlers will battle throughout the day.

Price: Free of charge

information: On Instagram at the address @riversidedayofthedead