Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a traditional Mexican holiday that celebrates life and death and honors deceased loved ones. It’s traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2, and sometimes over a three-day period from October 31 to November 2; however, celebrations can take place anytime in the Fall. The holiday combines the ancient Aztec tradition of honoring ancestors with All Souls’ Day, a holiday brought to Mexico by Spanish invaders in the 1500s. It’s a blend of Catholic tradition and Mexican mysticism that commemorates death as another part of life.

Altars (ofrendas) – Family altars, ofrendas, and altars in civic spaces are filled with offerings to the dead. Special altars are built on different days for different types of people who have died, decorated, with flowers and incense.

Fiestas – Communities gather in town plazas and community centers for dancing, music, feasting, drinking, and colorful costumes, paint their faces as skulls, and carry banners or puppets.

Please, join us for our celebration in the downtown City Park from 10 am to 4 pm for the cultural celebration that will include educational and children’s activities, food, dance, music, vendors of cultural wares, special ofendre and more. For more information, please contact the Downtown Paso Robles Main Street office at 805- 238-4103.