Coachella Valley ‘Dia de los Muertos’ celebrations

It’s a celebration aimed at remembering loved ones that have passed away.

'Dia de los muertos,' also known as 'Day of the Dead' is celebrated November 1 & 2, and we're sharing some ways you can participate throughout the valley.

Valley residents and visitors like, Nancy Hayashida and Karen Koyano have the opportunity to learn more about the holiday that’s meant to honor lost loved ones. 

"This is the first place that I've seen it. It's really nice. Just to learn about the different cultures, and things like that, and how they celebrate," said Hayashida.

There are several 'Dia de los Muertos' celebrations throughout the valley, including the installation at Sunnylands center and gardens, featuring calaveras, nichos, monarchs and marigolds. 

"I love the colors, it's beautiful today," said Koyano.

Different valley organizations made their own altars to honor loved ones and even pets that have passed away. 

"We have Animal Samaritans, which has the largest number of photos of pets where people wanted to have a place to put their their photos of their pets. And that grows every year," said Sunnylands Center and Gardens Direct, Michaeleen Gallagher.

At the gardens, you can learn more about the significance of each traditional 'Dia de los Muertos' piece, like the papel picado which translates to 'cut paper.' According to some historians it can represent the fragility of life. 

"Having that educational materials out has been great," said Gallagher. "We've heard families who have said that their family didn't do this. And now they want to do it with their kids and their grandkids."

Artists and students throughout the valley helped commemorate lost ones by creating one of a kind art pieces found throughout the gardens.

"And then on the Fourth, there's a big celebration in the City of Coachella called 'Run with los Muertos," that's one of our partners. It's helps fund 'Raices Cultura,' who's another partner, so we all go and do that walk as well," added Gallagher.

The 'Dia de los Muertos' installation at Sunnylands Center and Gardens is open until Sunday. It's a free community event with a special evening ceremony planned this Friday. You can find more information here.

You can also find more 'Dia de los Muertos' celebrations throughout the valley here.