Colorful Altars, Sugar Skulls, and Mariachi: Inside Sacramento’s Día de los Muertos Fiesta
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican tradition that celebrates the lives of loved ones who have passed away. Through colorful altars, music, dance, and traditional food, the holiday honors family connections and keeps cultural heritage alive. In downtown Sacramento, the California Museum brings this tradition to the community through its annual Día de los Muertos Fiesta.
Held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, the museum’s 13th annual Fiesta featured cultural performances, local art, hands-on crafts, and artistic displays celebrating Mexican heritage. A highlight was the debut of Sendero de las Almas Luminosas, meaning “Path of the Luminous Souls.” This exhibition features altars throughout the museum’s permanent galleries, connecting the traditions of Día de los Muertos with the diverse stories that shape California.
Created by artists associated with Self Help Graphics & Arts, a Los Angeles-based organization supporting Chicana/o and Latinx artists, the altars explore identity, family, and the enduring impact of loved ones. Traditionally, Día de los Muertos altars, known as ofrendas, include photographs, candles, marigolds, favorite foods, and personal belongings. These meaningful displays celebrate individual lives and offer families a way to share stories across generations. Visitors can also contribute to a community altar honoring people who have shaped their lives.
Live entertainment brought energy to the celebration, with performances by Maquilli Tonatiuh Aztec Dancers, Las Hijas de Maria, and Ballet Folklorico. Mariachi Bonitas de Dinorah Klingler added traditional music to the evening, showcasing the artistry and vibrancy of Mexican culture.
Families could also decorate sugar skulls, participate in crafts for children ages three and older, and browse the Mercado de los Muertos for handmade goods from local vendors. Sugar skulls, or calaveras, are recognizable symbols of the holiday, featuring bright colors and intricate designs. Food, drinks, and snacks from Sacramento’s Mayahuel rounded out the experience.
Beyond the festivities, the event offers an opportunity to explore the cultural traditions that contribute to Sacramento’s diversity. It brings people together to appreciate Mexican art, support local creators, and learn about a holiday rooted in family, heritage, and the celebration of life.
Although the Fiesta took place on October 10, the Sendero de las Almas Luminosas exhibition and community altar are scheduled to remain on view through November 15, 2026. Visitors can experience the displays and discover how Día de los Muertos connects generations through art, storytelling, and tradition.
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