Día de los Muertos, otherwise known as Day of the Dead, is a traditional Mexican holiday celebrated on Nov. 1 and 2. It celebrates life and death, honoring ancestors and remembering those who have passed away. The holiday reflects the belief that no one is truly dead as long as loved ones remember them.
Both the city of San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly have a number of events throughout the holiday for residents and students to celebrate together.
The holiday dates back to pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican cultures such as the Aztecs, who believed death was a natural part of life rather than something to fear, according to The University of Kansas,.
The first day honors children and saints, while the second honors adults who return to their homes and graves to feast on the food left on their ofrendas and celebrate.
An ofrenda is an altar filled with the deceased’s favorite foods, photos and personal belongings.
It is also characterized by Cempasúchil, or marigolds, which has a scent believed to guide the spirits back home. Pan de Muerto, a seasonal baked bread, along with colorful sugar skulls and decorative face painting depict death in a lighthearted way.
Día de Los Muertos Festival
The Latino Outreach Council is hosting a celebration in Mission Plaza on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring a community altar, folklórico and Latin dance and a live mariachi band.
A costume contest at 1 p.m. encourages attendees to dress in traditional skeleton or Catrina and Catrín attire. The event is free for the public to attend and financially supported by the city of San Luis Obispo and various vendors selling food and crafts.
READ MORE: SLO community comes together for Día de los Muertos at Mission Plaza
SLO Ranch Día De Los Muertos Celebration
SLO Ranch, located at 861 Froom Ranch Way, is hosting a Día de los Muertos celebration on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Saturday, the event will include live music, crafts, trick-or-treating and painting options. Sunday will feature a face painting station and a screening of Coco in the pavilion.
Día De Los Muertos at the Palm Theater
The following day, Sunday, Nov. 1, the Palm Theater is holding a one-time only screening of Coco at 7 p.m., tickets are $12 for general admission and $10 for children and seniors.
Cal Poly Día de Los Muertos
On campus the Latinx/e Center for Academic Success and Achievement, orLa CASA, will host their own celebration in the UU Plaza on Monday, Nov. 2.
The event takes place from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and features a community ofrenda, music, food and performances by Cal Poly’s Regional Music Club, Mariachi Mustango and Imagen y Espíritu Ballet Folklórico.