Originating in pre-Hispanic Mexico, the two-day holiday marks a time when the dead are believed to return to the world of the living. In San Francisco, giant altars, traditional danzantes, exhibits, and performances will take over parks and venues around the city, inviting everyone to honor loved ones who have passed. From community staples to new gatherings, here are some events you won\u2019t want to miss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Friday, November 1<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nD\u00eda de los Muertos market in the Sunset <\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\nKicking off the two-day holiday, Sunset Mercantile will host a D\u00eda de los Muertos-themed market this Friday in the Sunset District. The evening will feature folkloric dances, loteria, live music and vendors selling everything from delicious food to traditional artisan goods. All families are welcome to enjoy the activities and can construct an ofrenda or altar table in memory of their lost loved ones, to sit under the glittering lights and garlands<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When:<\/strong> 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhere<\/strong>: 37th Avenue between Ortega & Quintara Street <\/p>\n\n\n\nMCCLA\u2019s D\u00eda de los Angelitos Celebration<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\nOn the other side of San Francisco, The Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts (MCCLA) has a special evening planned for those who want to remember children who have passed on. D\u00eda de Los Angelitos takes place a day before the main celebrations because children\u2019s spirits are believed to travel faster than those of adults. MCCLA has a vivid and colorful vigil planned for parents who want to come together in remembrance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where: 2868 Mission Street, San Francisco <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eltecolote.org\/content\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/10302024-DIADEMUERTOS-ET-PU-7.jpg?resize=600%2C399&quality=89&ssl=1\")
A tree wrapped in marigolds on 24th Street in San Francisco on Oct. 30, 2024. In the lead-up to D\u00eda de los Muertos festivities, the Mission District is transformed by bright orange blooms. Photo by Pablo Unzueta for El Tecolote\/CatchLight Local<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSaturday, November 2<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nDay of the Dead Festival of Altars <\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAs they do every year, community members from around the city will head to Potrero del Sol Park to create personal altars to honor their ancestors as part of the Marigold Project\u2019s popular day-long festival. The nonprofit will also have artist-created altars representing both the elements and cardinal points, as well as a center altar dedicated to never-ending love and a midday ceremony. Later in the day, attendees can enjoy live performances, including an original skateboarding play about joining the spirit world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When: Installation begins at 8:00 a.m. and performances at 5:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where: Potrero Del Sol Park, 2827 Cesar Chavez St, San Francisco, CA<\/p>\n\n\n\n
D\u00eda de Los Muertos Procession in the Mission<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\nHundreds of people will walk together through the Mission District, many with their faces painted to look like skulls, in a procession to commemorate lost loved ones in the community. Aztec dancers will lead the crowds, performing ritual dances and serving as spiritual guides for the 43rd yearly procession organized by El Colectivo del Rescate Cultural.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen: 7:00 p.m. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where: The procession begins on the corner of 22nd and Bryant Street, moving south to 24th Street, west to Mission Street, then returning to 22nd and Bryant Streets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
San Francisco Symphony\u2019s D\u00eda de los Muertos Celebration<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMexican conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto will lead the symphony during its annual D\u00eda de los Muertos concert, performing music for both the dead and the living as marigolds and candles adorn the stage. This year, the event highlights some of Mexico City\u2019s most recognized artists, such as Frida Kahlo and Jose Guadalupe Posada. Before the concert, the Symphony will also offer a range of cultural activities for attendees, including sugar skull painting and altar installations, with live catrinas roaming the lobby. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When: Festivities begin at 1:30 p.m., and the concert starts at 3:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where: 201 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco, CA 94102<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tickets<\/a>: $62.50 and up<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eltecolote.org\/content\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/10302024-DIADEMUERTOS-ET-PU-9.jpg?resize=600%2C399&quality=89&ssl=1\")
Marigolds scattered near a tree on 24th Street in San Francisco on Oct. 30, 2024. In the lead-up to D\u00eda de los Muertos festivities, the Mission District is transformed by bright orange blooms. Photo by Pablo Unzueta for El Tecolote\/CatchLight Local<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\u201cVolver\u201d: Performances at Brava Theater<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\nOn Brava Theater\u2019s stage, artists, dancers and organizers from the Palestinian Youth Movement will share their voices exploring stories of returning \u2013 a theme central to Mesoamerican D\u00eda de los Muertos rituals. Although the holiday\u2019s focus is a return from death, performers will also reflect on other forms of return, like reuniting with family after migration and war. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where: 2781 24th Street San Francisco, CA. 94110<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Altars are open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Precita Eyes\u2019 Day of the Dead Altar Exhibit <\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMuralist education group Precita Eyes will host a special exhibit for their annual altar in their center on Saturday, open to onlookers throughout the evening like other venues around the Calle 24 Cultural District. The altar art will represent the binding belief of ancestral appreciation. Those who can\u2019t wait for the big day can also visit the altar during Precita Eyes\u2019 normal hours earlier in the week. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When<\/strong>: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhere<\/strong>: 2981 24th St., San Francisco CA, 94110<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Memory of our Skin: Special showing for photo gallery and altar<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\nEl Tecolote <\/em>photojournalist Pablo Unzueta is hosting a special evening viewing of his gallery exhibition and community altar, where attendees can reflect on the grief and healing processes captured in his photographs and highlighted in Day of the Dead celebrations. The altar was created by Oakland artist Gonzalo Hidalgo, with photographs shared by community members of loved ones who have passed on. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen<\/strong>: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhere<\/strong>: 2958 24th Street. San Francisco, CA<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eltecolote.org\/content\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/10302024-DIADEMUERTOS-ET-PU-2.jpg?resize=600%2C399&quality=89&ssl=1\")
Buckets of marigolds for sale on 24th Street in San Francisco on Oct. 30, 2024. In the lead-up to D\u00eda de los Muertos festivities, the Mission District is transformed by bright orange blooms. Photo by Pablo Unzueta for El Tecolote\/CatchLight Local<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThursday, November 7<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nNightLife: D\u00eda de los Muertos at the California Academy of Sciences<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAn evening of learning and creation awaits at the California Academy of the Sciences, which will host its second Dia de los Muertos celebration of the season next week. Attendees can help create a joint ofrenda, decorate sugar skulls and sample tequila and mezcal, as part of the many workshops held across museum halls. The event will also feature an artisanal market, live music and the opportunity to connect with different artists and support groups. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When:<\/strong> 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.\u2013 First dance starts at 5:45 p.m. and doors close at 7:30 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhere:<\/strong> 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118<\/p>\n\n\n\nTickets<\/strong><\/a>: $24.95<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eltecolote.org\/content\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/10302024-DIADEMUERTOS-ET-PU-3.jpg?resize=600%2C399&quality=89&ssl=1\")
Buckets of marigolds for sale on 24th Street in San Francisco on Oct. 30, 2024. In the lead-up to D\u00eda de los Muertos festivities, the Mission District is transformed by bright orange blooms. Photo by Pablo Unzueta for El Tecolote\/CatchLight Local<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nFriday, November 8<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Kicking off the two-day holiday, Sunset Mercantile will host a D\u00eda de los Muertos-themed market this Friday in the Sunset District. The evening will feature folkloric dances, loteria, live music and vendors selling everything from delicious food to traditional artisan goods. All families are welcome to enjoy the activities and can construct an ofrenda or altar table in memory of their lost loved ones, to sit under the glittering lights and garlands<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When:<\/strong> 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where<\/strong>: 37th Avenue between Ortega & Quintara Street <\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other side of San Francisco, The Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts (MCCLA) has a special evening planned for those who want to remember children who have passed on. D\u00eda de Los Angelitos takes place a day before the main celebrations because children\u2019s spirits are believed to travel faster than those of adults. MCCLA has a vivid and colorful vigil planned for parents who want to come together in remembrance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where: 2868 Mission Street, San Francisco <\/p>\n\n\n\n As they do every year, community members from around the city will head to Potrero del Sol Park to create personal altars to honor their ancestors as part of the Marigold Project\u2019s popular day-long festival. The nonprofit will also have artist-created altars representing both the elements and cardinal points, as well as a center altar dedicated to never-ending love and a midday ceremony. Later in the day, attendees can enjoy live performances, including an original skateboarding play about joining the spirit world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When: Installation begins at 8:00 a.m. and performances at 5:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where: Potrero Del Sol Park, 2827 Cesar Chavez St, San Francisco, CA<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hundreds of people will walk together through the Mission District, many with their faces painted to look like skulls, in a procession to commemorate lost loved ones in the community. Aztec dancers will lead the crowds, performing ritual dances and serving as spiritual guides for the 43rd yearly procession organized by El Colectivo del Rescate Cultural.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n When: 7:00 p.m. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Where: The procession begins on the corner of 22nd and Bryant Street, moving south to 24th Street, west to Mission Street, then returning to 22nd and Bryant Streets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Mexican conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto will lead the symphony during its annual D\u00eda de los Muertos concert, performing music for both the dead and the living as marigolds and candles adorn the stage. This year, the event highlights some of Mexico City\u2019s most recognized artists, such as Frida Kahlo and Jose Guadalupe Posada. Before the concert, the Symphony will also offer a range of cultural activities for attendees, including sugar skull painting and altar installations, with live catrinas roaming the lobby. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When: Festivities begin at 1:30 p.m., and the concert starts at 3:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where: 201 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco, CA 94102<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tickets<\/a>: $62.50 and up<\/p>\n\n\n\n On Brava Theater\u2019s stage, artists, dancers and organizers from the Palestinian Youth Movement will share their voices exploring stories of returning \u2013 a theme central to Mesoamerican D\u00eda de los Muertos rituals. Although the holiday\u2019s focus is a return from death, performers will also reflect on other forms of return, like reuniting with family after migration and war. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Where: 2781 24th Street San Francisco, CA. 94110<\/p>\n\n\n\n When: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Altars are open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Muralist education group Precita Eyes will host a special exhibit for their annual altar in their center on Saturday, open to onlookers throughout the evening like other venues around the Calle 24 Cultural District. The altar art will represent the binding belief of ancestral appreciation. Those who can\u2019t wait for the big day can also visit the altar during Precita Eyes\u2019 normal hours earlier in the week. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When<\/strong>: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where<\/strong>: 2981 24th St., San Francisco CA, 94110<\/p>\n\n\n\n El Tecolote <\/em>photojournalist Pablo Unzueta is hosting a special evening viewing of his gallery exhibition and community altar, where attendees can reflect on the grief and healing processes captured in his photographs and highlighted in Day of the Dead celebrations. The altar was created by Oakland artist Gonzalo Hidalgo, with photographs shared by community members of loved ones who have passed on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When<\/strong>: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where<\/strong>: 2958 24th Street. San Francisco, CA<\/p>\n\n\n\n An evening of learning and creation awaits at the California Academy of the Sciences, which will host its second Dia de los Muertos celebration of the season next week. Attendees can help create a joint ofrenda, decorate sugar skulls and sample tequila and mezcal, as part of the many workshops held across museum halls. The event will also feature an artisanal market, live music and the opportunity to connect with different artists and support groups. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When:<\/strong> 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.\u2013 First dance starts at 5:45 p.m. and doors close at 7:30 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where:<\/strong> 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tickets<\/strong><\/a>: $24.95<\/p>\n\n\n\nMCCLA\u2019s D\u00eda de los Angelitos Celebration<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSaturday, November 2<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Day of the Dead Festival of Altars <\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
D\u00eda de Los Muertos Procession in the Mission<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
San Francisco Symphony\u2019s D\u00eda de los Muertos Celebration<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u201cVolver\u201d: Performances at Brava Theater<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Precita Eyes\u2019 Day of the Dead Altar Exhibit <\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Memory of our Skin: Special showing for photo gallery and altar<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThursday, November 7<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
NightLife: D\u00eda de los Muertos at the California Academy of Sciences<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nFriday, November 8<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/eltecolote.org\/content\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/DSC_6718_CMYK.png?resize=600%2C399&quality=80&ssl=1\")