The California Museum is once again opening its doors for the highly anticipated Día de los Muertos Fiesta, an annual cultural event that meticulously honors the profound Mexican culture tradition of the Day of the Dead. This immersive celebration, a cornerstone of the Sacramento events calendar, offers an unparalleled opportunity for visitors to engage deeply with the vibrant customs and spiritual significance of this cherished heritage.
Scheduled for Saturday, October 11th, the Día de los Muertos Fiesta marks its twelfth year, cementing its reputation as a significant gathering for both the local community and cultural enthusiasts across the region. The California Museum serves as the perfect backdrop for this event, providing a space where tradition and contemporary expression beautifully intertwine, inviting all to partake in a rich tapestry of experiences.
Attendees of the fiesta are invited to savor an array of culinary delights and engaging performances. Local favorite Mayahuel will be on hand offering delicious food and drinks, while the ceremonial blessing by the Maquilli Tonatiuh Aztec Dancers will provide a powerful and authentic connection to indigenous roots. The energetic rhythms of the 10-piece salsa band Conjunto Liberación are also set to fill the air, ensuring a festive and lively atmosphere that underscores the joy inherent in this tradition.
Beyond the culinary and musical offerings, the fiesta provides interactive experiences for all ages, promoting a deeper understanding of Mexican culture. The vibrant Mercado de los Muertos, or Market of the Dead, will feature an exquisite selection of handmade items from talented local vendors and artists, perfect for unique mementos. Family-friendly activities abound, including engaging sugar skull decorating workshops, creative face painting, and various crafts designed to captivate children aged three and up.
This year’s celebration holds an added layer of significance with the grand opening of the California Museum’s newest exhibit, “Recuerdos Ilustrados: Día de los Muertos 2025” (Illustrated Memories: Day of the Dead 2025). This temporary installation promises a poignant journey through themes of life, love, and death, providing a contemplative counterpoint to the vibrant festivities and enriching the overall Día de los Muertos experience for all attendees.
The “Recuerdos Ilustrados” exhibit showcases contemporary altars and innovative artwork by esteemed California printmaking artists Stephanie Mercado, Daniel Villa, and Álvaro D. Márquez. Notably, the altars created by these artists will be thoughtfully centered around the topic of immigration, offering a powerful and timely perspective on the human experience within the rich framework of Mexican culture and tradition, making it one of the must-see art exhibits of the season.
Amanda Meeker, executive director of the California Museum, aptly encapsulates the essence of the event, stating, “Día de los Muertos is both deeply personal and profoundly communal.” She emphasizes the museum’s pride in offering a platform for visitors to connect with a tradition that continually evolves while remaining firmly rooted in its cultural heritage. This celebration is not merely an act of remembrance for those who have passed but a dynamic opportunity for shared experience and mutual learning.
To ensure participation in this unique cultural event, tickets for the fiesta are priced at $12 and must be secured in advance. Members of the California Museum are afforded exclusive benefits, including access to a Members-Only Lounge & Terrace, alongside complimentary admission to the entire event, providing an incentive for early booking and continued engagement with the museum’s diverse offerings and future Sacramento events.
