Santa Barbara Santa Maria San Luis Obispo, CA, September 19, 2026 —

The community is invited to commemorate the 16th Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration, a free event scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 25th. The celebration will be hosted at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria.

This annual event is organized by the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department, in collaboration with its partners. The core purpose of the celebration is to honor departed loved ones through a variety of cultural activities and community engagement.

Attendees can expect a rich experience featuring traditional music and dance performances, art contests, and the creation of community altars. These elements are central to the Día de los Muertos tradition, which provides a space for remembrance and cultural expression.

The Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a holiday celebrated in many Latin American countries, most notably in Mexico, for its ancestral roots in indigenous traditions. It is a time when families and friends gather to remember and honor their deceased loved ones. The festivities often include colorful decorations, food offerings, and personal altars adorned with photographs, favorite items, and marigolds.

The Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department and its partners aim to bring this significant cultural observance to the local community, offering a free and accessible event for all residents. The location at Allan Hancock College provides a central and well-equipped venue for the anticipated activities.


Story summarized from the original created by Joe Payne for City of Santa Maria on www.noozhawk.com, see more information here.

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