In honor of “Day of the Dead” activities celebrated each year in Mexico and in major cities around the world, Sol Collective and the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation have teamed up to present a series of Dia De Los Muertos/“Souls of the City” events and activities in Old Sacramento that culminate on November 2 & 3, 2012.   The annual tradition -- a national holiday in Mexico – is showcased by friends and families building elaborate altars to honor loved ones who have died then gathering in remembrance and celebration. 

After a series of community workshops and special activities that were held throughout October, the community is invited to a free Traditional Altar & Velacion Ceremony and large-scale Altar Installation on Friday evening, November 2, from 8 p.m. to midnight at Waterfront Park in Old Sacramento. This symbolic “gathering of the spirits” celebration offers Sacramento area residents and Old Sacramento visitors a chance to experience and learn more about the cultural tradition that is highlighted by chanting, singing, dancing, the building of the altar with personal items, intricate offerings of orange Mexican marigolds on the altar, and much more. Then on Saturday, November 3, a final evening of free Dia De Los Muertos or “Souls of the City” celebratory activities will take place throughout Old Sacramento beginning at 4 p.m. that include family-friendly fun such as face painting, a pop-up photo booth and traditional music.  Then at 6 p.m., the festivities will conclude with a traditional Procession and not-to-be-missed Azteca Dance performances. 

More information about the Dia De Los Muertos/“Souls of the City” events is available at www.historicoldsac.org or www.solcollective.org .