Celebrating Day of the Dead in Fresno County? Here are 8 festive things to do
Forget Halloween. It’s time for Día de los Muertos
The Day of the Dead — El Día de Muertos in Spanish — is celebrated on Nov. 1 and Nov 2.
The Mexican holiday celebrates loved ones who have passed on by welcoming back the souls of deceased friends and relatives with their favorite drinks, food, music and more.
From sugar skulls and ballet folklorico dancers to a concert honoring Richie Valens and Buddy Holly, there’s plenty to see and do in the Fresno area for Dia de Muertos.
Here are eight ways to celebrate the holiday locally:
Dia de los Muertos Sugar Skull Masks
Fresno-area teenagers can enjoy tasty treats as they paint and decorate their very own Dia de Muertos sugar skull masks at an event hosted by the Fresno Parks and Recreation Department.
All materials are provided to help teens celebrate the holiday in style.
- Where: Maxie L Parks, 1802 East California Ave., Fresno
- When: 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1
- How much: Free
- Ages: 13 to 17
- Info: Facebook
Dia de los Muertos at Fresno City College
Learn about the history of Dia de los Muertos at this educational event hosted by Fresno City College, as well as altars, ofrenda displays, sugar skulls and cempasuchil flowers.
There will be hot chocolate, coffee and pan dulce, plus music, the college said.
Where: Fresno City College, 1101 E University Ave, Fresno, in front of the library
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 31
How much: Free
Info: fresnocitycollege.edu or fcclatino@fresnocitycollege.edu
Dia de los Muertos at Fulton 55
This Día de los Muertos, Fulton 55 pays tribute to music icons who have died with “an unforgettable night” featuring performances by Ritchie Valens (Macondo) and Buddy Holly (New Old Man).
Also performing are Basura and Carinyo, also known as Ernesto Barajas.
Where: Fulton 55, 875 Divisadero St., Fresno
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1; doors open at 7 p.m.
How much: $21.60
Info: Instagram, Facebook or fulton55.com
Cala Gala
Arte Americas will kick off its annual Day of the Dead celebration, Cala Gala, with a DJ, venders and art making followed by a traditional procession from Warnors Theatre to Arte Americas
There will also be an ofrenda display, traditional folkloric dancing and a concert by Diana Gameros.
The theme of the 2024 Cala Gala is “Autores Muertos: Letras Vivas,” honoring literary giants Jorge Luis Borges, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz and Gabriel García Márquez.
Where: Artes Americas, 1630 Van Ness Ave., Fresno
When: 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2
How much: Free
Info: Instagram, Facebook or arteamericas.org
Dia de los Muertos at Fresno zoo
Celebrate Dia de los Muertos at Fresno Chaffee Zoo with crafts, educational activities,and entertainment.
The zoo said it’s invited community-based organizations to make creative art installations “inspired by Mexican culture and Dia de los Muertos,” ranging from zoo-themed alebrijes to sugar skulls.
Where: Fresno Chaffee Zoo, 894 West Belmont Ave., Fresno
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, No. 3
How much: $17 ages 12 and up, $11 ages 2 to 11, free for under 2
Info: fresnochaffeezoo.org
Día de Los Muertos Celebration
Ballet folklorico dancers from across the Central Valley will perform at Centro de Folklor’s Day of the Dead celebration.
Also in store are community altars, a Catrina contest and food and craft vendors. You can even try your hand at la chancla — shoe throwing
Where: Pioneer Village, 1880 Art Gonzales Parkway, Selma
When: 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2
How much: $1
Dia de los Muertos Madera
Madera Charros Unidos is hosting this event, which includes food, music, folkloric dances, altar exhibitions and raffles.
Where: Lienzo Charros Unidos, 23647 Ave 17, Madera
When: 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2
How much: Free
Info: Facebook
Day of the Dead
Celebrate Indigenous roots and identities and enjoy traditional Oaxacan food prepared by ancestral Mixtec and Triqui cooks at this event, presented by the Pan Valley Institute.
Participants can contribute flowers, candles and outfits for the community altar or to help decorate the space.
Where: Courthouse Park, 210 West Yosemite Ave., Madera
When: Noon to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1
How much: Free
Info: 559-216-5459 or 559-481-0160, PanValleyInstitute@afsc.org
This story was originally published October 31, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
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