Honoring Roots and Remembering Together: OMCA’s 31st Annual Día de los Muertos Community Celebration
This fall, OMCA invites you to join a beloved Oakland tradition: our 31st Annual Día de los Muertos Community Celebration. Rooted in remembrance, connection, and cultural resilience, this annual gathering honors ancestors and Day of the Dead traditions.
The day begins with a vibrant opening procession, led by members of OMCA’s Día de los Muertos Committee. This meaningful welcome invites guests of all ages to join in ceremony and spirit, setting the tone for a day of reflection and joy.
Visitors can explore beautifully crafted community ofrendas (offering altars) displayed throughout the campus. This year’s ofrenda, created by the Día de los Muertos Committee, is centered on the symbol of the Tree of Life, a powerful pre-Columbian motif that connects the heavens, earth, and underworld. It is dedicated specifically to departed educators, community activists, artists, and museum volunteers of the East Bay, whose time and talents have nourished our communities like deep roots nourishing new growth.
Ofrenda for OMCA’s 31st Annual Día de los Muertos Community Celebration, 2025. Courtesy of Oakland Museum of California.
The day continues with live music, danza, and ceremonia, celebrating the vibrant cultural expressions that make Día de los Muertos a living tradition. Hands-on activities offer guests of all ages a chance to create, share stories, and connect with their own family histories.
In OMCA’s mercado, you’ll find handmade crafts, altar items, and Día de los Muertos–inspired art created by local artisans. This is a chance to support the East Bay’s rich artistic community while finding meaningful additions for your own altars at home. You’re also invited to bring a picnic and relax in OMCA’s gardens, a great space for reflection.
OMCA 30th Annual Día de los Muertos Community Celebration, 2024. Photo by Christine Cueto. Courtesy of Oakland Museum of California.
For over three decades, this event has been a space where remembrance and community come together. Whether you come to honor a loved one, learn about cultural traditions, or simply take in the beauty of the day, we welcome you to join us in celebrating life, memory, and legacy.
