On Sunday, November 1, the Museum of Ventura County will host a free community celebration of music, dance, and crafts from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. for the whole family. Visitors can also see the artist-created altars, called ofrendas, on display throughout the museum, and have their faces painted calaveras style for a small fee.  This annual celebration has become very popular at the Museum, highlighting the local traditions of Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos. 

Sunday’s entertainment includes performances by Ballet Folklórico Mestizo of Oxnard College, Ballet Folklórico de Bell Arts, and Danza Azteca Tonzatin as well as DATA (DeAnza Academy of Technology and the Arts) Mariachi.

Traditional craft-making is available for all ages, which includes, papel picados (cut paper banners), paper flowers, masks, and paper skeletons. Refreshments are available for sale.

Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) is observed in many parts of Mexico and Latin America, and includes altars to welcome and honor the departed who are said to come back to walk among the living on November 1. It is now popular in the United States among Latinos and non-Latinos alike. Humorous skulls (Calaveras) and skeletons are the dominant symbols of the celebration, which has roots in pre-Columbian as well as Spanish religious beliefs.