Day of the Dead activties in Old Sac

In honor of “Day of the Dead” activities celebrated each year in Mexico and in major cities around the world, Sol Collective and the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation have teamed up to present a series of Dia De Los Muertos/“Souls of the City” events and activities in Old Sacramento that take place throughout October and culminate on Nov. 2 and 3.

The annual tradition — a national holiday in Mexico — is showcased by friends and families building elaborate altars to honor loved ones who have died, then gathering in remembrance and celebration.

A series of community workshops and special activities will be held in October that showcase the traditions and/or demonstrate how to create some of the special items used in “Day of the Dead” celebrations.

Most of the special workshops are free with museum admission.

 

Workshop schedule

• Decorate Frames and Candles Workshop — Oct. 20 at Sacramento History Museum, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Honoring Our Past Event — Oct. 25 at Sacramento History Museum, 6 to 8 p.m.
• “Souls of the City” Pop Up at Panteon De Sacramento Event — Oct. 27 at La Raza Galeria Posada, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

On Friday evening, Nov. 2 from 8 p.m. to midnight, the community is invited to a free traditional Altar and Velacion Ceremony and large-scale altar installation at Waterfront Park in Old Sacramento.

This symbolic “gathering of the spirits” celebration offers Sacramento area residents and Old Sacramento visitors a chance to experience and learn more about the cultural tradition that is highlighted by chanting, singing, dancing, the building of the altar with personal items, intricate offerings of orange Mexican marigolds on the altar, and much more.

A final evening of free Dia De Los Muertos or “Souls of the City” celebratory activities will take place throughout Old Sacramento on Saturday, Nov. 3  beginning at 4 p.m. that include family-friendly fun such as face painting, a pop-up photo booth and traditional music.

At 6 p.m., the festivities will conclude with a traditional procession and not-to-be-missed Azteca Dance performance.

More information about the Dia De Los Muertos/“Souls of the City” events is available at historicoldsac.org or solcollective.org.

While all other events and activities are free, there is a requested $5 donation for the “Honoring Our Past” event on Oct.25 that honors community leaders Jose Montoya and Angelberta Cobb for their roles in preserving the traditions locally.