Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

On an annual basis, the Davis Cemetery District hosts a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration on our grounds. This celebration is one of the last Mesoamerican indigenous influenced rituals, honoring mother earth and all ancestors. This celebration is part of an effort to create a community, a sense of belonging, and global awareness of cultural richness in our multicultural society.

Historically, the Dia de los Muertos celebration has included a variety of artists and performers, as well as a collective altar honoring all ancestors. We are pleased to announce this year’s Dia de los Muertos event will be fully returning since the pandemic!

Thank You

Thank you to everyone who attended this year’s Dia de los Muertos community celebration. We had a wonderful turn out and can’t wait for next year. Recommendations on how to improve this event for next year. Please email Jess Smithers at jess@daviscemetery.org

 

2024 Dia de los Muertos Program

This year’s Dia de los Muertos event will be held Saturday, November 2nd, from 10:00AM – 1:00pm. This year’s community partner/organizer is Zaid Arroyos, Intern for Yolo County Board of Supervisors District 4.

Educational and Informational Speakers: Kevin Johnson: Former dean of UC Davis Law School, and Chicano Studies Professor.

Art: Now through November 2nd, 2024, Gallery 1855 is featuring two extraordinary artists who are exhibiting Dia de los Muertos inspired art. Details regarding the artists can be found here.

Music: Mariachi performance by Mariachi del Valle.

Food Vendors: Purros Churros and Taquitos la Bombonera.

Craft Corner: This year’s craft corner will include professional face painting, sugar skull decorating, coloring, and temporary tattoos.

Vendors: This event will include a variety of vendors selling artisan items aligned with Dia de los Muertos.

Parking: The Pole Line Baptist Church has graciously approved the use of their parking lot for this event, which is located directly across the street from the cemetery. For the safety of our visitors walking our internal roadways, we strongly encourage you park in the Pole Line Baptist Church lot.

~ Previous Event Information Below ~

2023 Dia de los Muertos Activities

The Davis Cemetery Districts annual Dia de los Muertos public altar has been set up and will remain in place through November 2nd. In addition to the altar, we have placed educational signage, gravesite cleaning supplies, and fresh marigolds for visitors and loved ones to place on graves.
We welcome all to stop by, contribute to the altar, and enjoy the peaceful environment offered here at the cemetery. Please do not place open flames, incense, or alcohol on the altar as they can create a fire/safety issue.