Sunnylands Center and Gardens celebrates Coachella Valley Days of Los Muertos with the community

Sunnylands Center and Gardens has collaborated with different cultural institution and various community groups in the Coachella Valley to celebrate Día de los Muertos, or The Day of the Dead.

Día de los Muerto is a Mexican holiday for people to celebrate and remember loved ones who have passed away.

Michaeleen Gallagher, director of education and environmental programs at Sunnylands Center & Gardens, said, "This just allows the community we have here to have a place to come and enjoy that cultural event." Sunnylands Center & Gardens collaborated with other organizations in the Coachella Valley to set up alters around the garden for people to visit. The collaborations include: Palm Springs Art Musuem, The S.C.R.A.P. Gallery, Animal Samaritans, Raices Cultura, and Palm Springs Cemetery District.

Gallagher said, "This year we have artists who have submitted nichos which are shadow boxes that have been painted throughout the garden as well."

This year is a unique year as over one million people have died from coronavirus worldwide. Gallagher added, "A lot of us are dealing with the stress of this time and people have lost family members."

Maria Gutierrez was visiting Sunnylands with her family. She said, "There’s been a lot more loss lately and you know we are just even more grateful to be here." Mara Gabino, also visiting with her family, said, "It’s just nice to see that even with COVID and everything people are really making an effort and everything to keep these traditions alive, especially in the valley."

This event also allows for people to learn more about the holiday. Lara Lightbody, visiting Sunnylands said, "We don’t celebrate it in England but I feel a great affinity with the holidays and celebrating with the loved ones who have passed."

The altar at Sunnylands with the Palm Springs Art Museum allows people to be part of the community event. You can write a note, draw a picture, or add a name, and drop it into the box.

Elaine Janson was brought to Sunnylands by her friend Valerie Rogers. "I’m so happy that it’s set up like this. It’s so important to understand the culture, the real meaning of the day of the dead, and what it means to those who have loved ones that have passed on," said Janson. Rogers lost her husband three years ago and her son this year. She was planning to visit Mexico for the Day of the Dead celebration but decided to wait until next year due to the pandemic. She said, "I’m delighted to see the day of the dead exhibits here."

The normal hours for Sunnylands Center & Gardens going forward will be 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Due to the Coachella Valley Days of Los Muertos celebration on Thursday (10/29) and Friday (10/30) they will stay open through 8 p.m. Gallagher said, "Which will allow the public to come in and see everything lit up at night. Which is really when it kind of shines." The observation of this event will go through November 1st.

Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz also partnered with Palm Springs Art Museum on their altar and will visit Sunnylands on Thursday (10/29). "He is coming to visit and see what’s going on here and what’s new and what we’ve added. We are looking forward to that very much," said Gallagher.

News Channel 3's Taban Sharifi will have more on this celebration of life and how it's even more meaningful to people during a time where so many lives have been lost to COVID-19.