Ofrendas, a 5K, a block party: How to celebrate Día de los Muertos in the Coachella Valley
Get ready for community ofrendas, aerial shows and a block party as the Coachella Valley prepares to celebrate Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, from late October through early November.
When is Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead?
The two-day Mexican holiday, observed on Nov. 1-2, honors loved ones who have died. While regional celebrations differ, families typically create an ofrenda, or home altar — displaying photos of the departed alongside their favorite food and drink, calaveras (decorative skulls), cempasúchil (marigolds), pan de muerto and incense. Although it coincides with the Catholic observances of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, the holiday blends indigenous traditions, particularly those of the Aztecs, who honored the dead long before Spanish colonization.
From Coachella to Palm Springs, here are 13 ways to celebrate and honor the memory of loved ones for Día de los Muertos:
Día de los Muertos Workshop at the La Quinta Museum
Explore Día de los Muertos traditions with presenter Mariana Moctezuma at the La Quinta Museum's mural room, and create decorations for your home and altars in the weeks leading up to the festivities.
When: 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 5
Where: La Quinta Museum, 77-885 Avenida Montezuma, La Quinta
Cost: Free
For more information: Visit facebook.com/laquintamuseum
Día de los Muertos Mini Altar Exhibit at the La Quinta Museum
The La Quinta Museum invites community members to craft mini altars honoring loved ones for an upcoming exhibit using a cigar box provided by the museum. To join, register by Oct. 5, pick up your cigar box between Oct. 1-12 and drop off your completed altar on Oct. 22 or 23. The exhibit will run from Oct. 29 to Nov. 9.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 29 to Saturday, Nov. 9
Where: La Quinta Museum, 77-885 Avenida Montezuma, La Quinta
Cost: Free
For more information: Visit tinyurl.com/lqmdiadelosmuertos2024
Día de los Muertos at the Palm Springs Art Museum
The Palm Springs Art Museum will host a variety of workshops and activities, featuring performances by Conny Velly's choreographer team, Danza de Viejitos, Mariachi Flor de Dahlia, Sentimiento Romántico and Reyna Tropical for a lively day of dance, music, art and celebration. Support local vendors like Tienda Oli, Dulce Corazón, Divine Earth Art and Frank Lemus Ceramics, and admire the altars created by community partners, including the Youth Leadership Institute, the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, DAP Health, College of the Desert and the museum's docent team.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 27
Where: Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 Museum Drive, Palm Springs
Cost: Free; advanced registration is recommended
For more information: Visit psmuseum.org/events
Día de Los Muertos Cultural and Family Event at Rancho Escondido
Join Reynas del Valle for a heartwarming cultural event that honors Mexican heritage and loved ones who have passed. Enjoy performances by Escaramuza Reynas del Valle, Mariachi Temastian, Ballet Folklorico Sol del Valley and Banda 760, while participating in activities such as a Catrin/a contest, a traditional ofrenda, a mercadito and savoring delicious food options. Proceeds will support the equestrian efforts of Escaramuza Reynas del Valle, one of the few youth escaramuza teams in the United States.
When: 7 to 10 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 27
Where: Rancho Escondido, 85-321 Ave. 44, Indio
Cost: Free for those aged 14 and under and $20 for those 15 and older; $25 at the door
For more information: reynasdelvalle.org or call 760-766-5306
Coachella Valley Days of Los Muertos at Sunnylands
During Coachella Valley Days of Los Muertos at Sunnylands, guests can stroll through the gardens while enjoying symbolic elements of Día de los Muertos, including colorful papel picado (decorative cut paper), nichos (shadow boxes) created by local artists in partnership with Coachella nonprofit Raices Cultura, as well as ofrendas designed by local organizations and students.
Each day features family-friendly activities, with daytime and nighttime altar and shadow box displays, along with a drop-in workshop to create miniature nichos and a film screening of Pixar's "Coco" on Nov. 1. Desert Oasis Healthcare’s mobile clinic will be on-site on Nov. 1 and 2 — providing free health screenings and consultations with primary care providers and pharmacists. Influenza vaccines will also be offered. To conclude the multi-day celebration, Art Flying Aerial will be performing a 15-minute aerial show every hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 3.
When: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30 to Sunday, Nov. 3. Opening hours will be extended to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1, for nighttime viewing of the artworks and a film screening of "Coco"
Where: Sunnylands Center & Gardens, 37-977 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage
Cost: Free
For more information: Visit sunnylands.org
Día de los Muertos at Demuth Community Center
Join Palm Springs for its fourth annual Día de los Muertos celebration at the Demuth Community Center, typically featuring food, arts and crafts, music and more.
When: 5 to 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 1
Where: Demuth Community Center, 3601 E. Mesquite Ave., Palm Springs
Cost: Free
For more information: Visit palmspringsca.gov
Día de los Muertos at Desert Memorial Park
Enjoy this Day of the Dead celebration featuring live entertainment, a student art contest, folkloric dancers, face painting, a community altar and food and merchandise vendors.
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 2
Where: Desert Memorial Park, 31-705 Da Vall Drive, Cathedral City
Cost: Free
For more information: Email [email protected]
Día de los Muertos at the Coachella Valley Public Cemetery
Each Día de los Muertos, the Coachella Valley Public Cemetery transforms for a lively celebration, and this year is no different. Community members are welcome to enjoy the festivities, which feature live music, dancing and performances on the entertainment stage. However, guests cannot bring alcohol, pets, candles, canopies or tables. Attendees may bring small coolers, food, drinks, umbrellas and chairs. The cemetery will open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 1 and from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 2, with festivities kicking off at 11 a.m. on Nov. 2.
When: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 2
Where: Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District, 82-925 Avenue 52, Coachella
Cost: Free
For more information: Visit coachellacemetery.org
Día de los Muertos at Forest Lawn in Cathedral City
Forest Lawn in Cathedral City is uniting the community once again with its annual Día de Los Muertos event. This year’s celebration features vibrant altars, larger-than-life Catrina floral sculptures, community ofrendas, face painting, arts and crafts, Mariachi music and food trucks.
When: Noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 2
Where: 69-855 East Ramon Road, Cathedral City
Cost: Free
For more information: Visit forestlawn.com/events or call 855-800-5296
Run with los Muertos in Old Town Coachella
Run with Los Muertos returns, inviting the community to celebrate health, wellness, art, music and culture during its 11th annual block party in Pueblo Viejo Coachella. The event, held in partnership with Raices Cultura, brings together generations through cultural exchanges with artisans, musicians and chefs from Oaxaca, Michoacán and Mexicali. This year's festivities feature a traditional procession and altars to honor the dead, three stages of live music, a car show and a vendor village. And, of course, participants can also join the signature 5K race. Who will you run for?
When: 4 p.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 2
Where: Old Town Coachella, 1515 6th St., Coachella
Cost: Free; $40 to register to participate in the 5K run/walk
For more information: Visit runwithlosmuertos.com
Día de los Muertos Festival in Desert Hot Springs
Celebrate Día de los Muertos at Mission Springs Park in Desert Hot Springs with face painting, food vendors and a beer garden during this community event. The evening features performances by the B-Side Players, a San Diego-based band known for their Latin global funk music.
When: 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 2
Where: Mission Springs Park, 14-510 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs
Cost: Free
For more information: Visit cityofdhs.org
Día de los Muertos in downtown Indio
The city of Indio invites the community to a celebration of life, love and tradition for its Día de Los Muertos celebration on Nov. 2, featuring a free outdoor film screening of Pixar's "Coco" at Center Stage in downtown Indio. The family-friendly event starts at 5:30 p.m. with attendees encouraged to bring a photo of a loved one to place on an ofrenda. A limited number of picture frames will be available for use. The film screening begins at 6:30 p.m., and free popcorn will be provided.
When: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2
Where: Center Stage, 82-881 Miles Ave., Indio
Cost: Free
More info: indio.org
Día de los Muertos at the Coachella Valley History Museum
The Coachella Valley History Museum will showcase about six altars in an exhibit from Nov. 2 to 17 during regular public admission hours. Individual artists, community groups and families will honor their loved ones through these altars. The first weekend of the month will be free to the community and will feature storytelling and readings.
When: Nov. 2-17
Where: Coachella Valley History Museum, 82-616 Miles Ave., Indio
Cost: $10 for adults; $8 for seniors; free for children under 18 and active military and veterans with ID. Everyone gets free admission on the first full weekend of each month.
More info: cvhm.org
(This story was updated to clarify details of one event and add information about another.)
Jennifer Cortez covers education in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 13 ways to celebrate Día de los Muertos in the Coachella Valley
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