Levantar tu alma, San José — Dia de los Muertos celebrations are already gearing up around the great 408.
To prepare — let’s explore the roots of this holiday and some of San Jose’s upcoming celebrations.
🪦 A time of remembrance
Dia de los Muertos, aka Day of the Dead, is a holiday traditionally celebrated Oct. 31-Nov. 2. It originated in Mexico, with roots tracing back 3,000 years to Aztec and pre-Aztec indigenous peoples. To this day, it’s celebrated in communities with Mexican heritage, and all over Latin America.
An important distinction: this is not a Mexican version of Halloween. In this celebration of life, participants are reunited with the souls of dead relatives + loved ones. The honored dead are often given offerings at gravesites or ofrendas (alters) at home, and are celebrated with festivals.
💀 Local celebrations
This Saturday, Oct. 21, San Jose will celebrate the largest Dia de los Muertos festival in the South Bay, Día San José , at Plaza de Cesar Chavez. The event includes live painting, lowrider ofrendas, luchador battles, and Indigenous craft vendors — tickets will be available at the door.
But, it’s not the only way to join in the holiday.
Check out these other events:
- Inaugural Día de los Muertos Celebration | Saturday, Oct. 21-Saturday, Nov. 4 | Times vary | Signia by Hilton, 170 S. Market St. | Prices vary | Get ready for a blessing + performance from Calpulli Tonalehqueh, tequila tastings, a winemaker dinner, and specialty menus.
- Día de los Muertos | Saturday, Oct. 28 | 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. + 1:30-4:30 p.m. | Children’s Discovery Museum, 180 Woz Way | $16-$18 | Larger-than-life skeleton puppets, a Calaveras procession, and sand painting await.
- Día de los Muertos Run-Walk | Saturday, Oct. 28 | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | Alviso Health Center, 1621 Gold St. | $45-$85 | Festive attire or makeup is encouraged at this health initiative fundraiser for those who can’t afford medical insurance.