Prepare to paint your face like a sugar skull and dance with the dead at Sacramento’s most spirited celebration! The Annual Día de los Muertos Festival is coming to the California Museum on Saturday, October 12, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. This lively fiesta in the heart of East Sacramento promises to be a night full of color, culture, and maybe even a few friendly ghosts.
A Night to Remember (and Be Remembered)
Now in its 11th year, this festival has become a must-attend event for both the living and the dead. The California Museum is pulling out all the stops to ensure this year’s celebration is bigger and better than ever. Executive Director Amanda Meeker says, “We’ve been honored to be part of Sacramento’s Dia de los Muertos celebrations for over a decade now.” Well, Amanda, we’re honored to keep showing up – both in body and in spirit!
New Exhibit: “Arte de Inspiración: Día de los Muertos 2024”
This year, the star of the show is the grand opening of a new exhibit called “Arte de Inspiración: Día de los Muertos 2024.” This isn’t your average art show—it’s a journey through life, love, and death, featuring original artwork and altars by California artists Krisztianna, John Hancock, Juan Ramos, and Adrian Arias.
These talented folks have created pieces that explore the evolution of Día de los Muertos from ancient Aztec times to modern-day California. It’s like a time-traveling art tour but without the risk of accidentally becoming your grandpa.
Festivities Fit for Both the Living and the Dead
What’s a Día de los Muertos celebration without some lively entertainment? The festival will feature:
- A ceremonial blessing by Maquilli Tonatiuh Aztec Dancers (because nothing says “party” like a good blessing)
- Live music by the Latin dance tribute band Maya (get ready to shake your bones)
- Performances by Ballet Folklorico de Sacramento (they put the “dance” in “dance with death”)
- A Mercado de los Muertos (Market of the Dead), where you can buy unique items from local vendors and artists
And let’s not forget about the food! Local Mexican restaurant Mayahuel will be serving delicious food and drinks. Just remember: if you see a skeleton reaching for your taco, it’s probably best to let them have it. They don’t get to eat very often, after all.
Get Crafty With Death
For those who like to get hands-on with their celebrations, the festival offers some great activities:
- Sugar skull decorating workshops (sadly, these are already sold out faster than you can say “boo”).
- Hands-on crafts for children ages three and up (because it’s never too early to start celebrating the cycle of life and death).
- A special group photo for costumed guests (finally, a chance for your Día de los Muertos makeup to shine on social media).
VIP Treatment: Party With the Dead in Style
For the first time, the California Museum is offering VIP Terrace tickets. For an extra $25, you can enjoy:
- An elevated view of the festivities (perfect for spotting any wayward spirits)
- Shorter lines for entry and food tickets (because even in death, no one likes waiting in line)
- Access to indoor dining seating (in case you need a break from all that lively dead people energy)
Just remember, VIP or not, we eventually end up in the same place. Might as well enjoy the view while you can!
A Community Altar: Remembering Loved Ones
One of the most touching aspects of the festival is the Community Altar. Visitors are invited to pay tribute to their lost loved ones by adding to this altar, which will be on display until November 17, 2024. It’s a beautiful way to keep memories alive and maybe even entice a few spirits to stick around for an extra slice of pan de muerto.
Practical Info for the Living
Before you start practicing your skeleton walk, here are a few important details:
- Tickets are $10 and must be purchased in advance
- The event is open to all ages, but everyone needs their ticket (even tiny humans over two years old)
- No outside food or drinks allowed (the spirits are picky about their catering)
- Bring a printed or digital copy of your ticket to speed up entry
The Annual Día de los Muertos Festival 2024 at the California Museum will surely celebrate life, death, and everything in between. You might even make a few new friends – both among the living and the dead!
Sources: californiamuseum.org, eventbrite.com
Header Image Source: californiamuseum.org
