Community Day: Día de los Muertos

A man and woman stand facing the camera. They are dressed for dia de los muertos, wearing la Calavera, or sugar skull face paint. They each have flowers on top of their head and they are both wearing black tops with white skeleton outlines.

Photo by Frederick Liang.

11am–4pm
Free admission all day.

Save the date for Community Day: Día de los Muertos, a full day of live entertainment, cultural demonstrations, and an eclectic mix of artmaking experiences. Join us as we collaborate with local artists, partners, and organizations for this truly intracultural and multigenerational event! Museum admission is free all day. 

Pre-register Here

PROCESSION 

11:30am–12:45pm 

San Jose Multicultural Artists Guild's (SJMAG) 26th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival and Procession/Comparsa in partnership with the San José Museum of Art (SJMA). Procession gathers 11:30am at the City View Plaza, corner of Market Street and San Fernando.

The Procession starts at 12:20pm and travels around the César Chávez Park to the San José Museum of Art corner of Market and San Fernando streets. 

PERFORMANCES

Coordinated in partnership with SJMAG 

  • 12:45–1pm Mictlan de Danza y Cultura Azteca 
  • 1–1:10pm Opening remarks by Mexican Consulate and Mayor
  • 1:15–1:30pm Folklórico Nacional Mexicano 
  • 1:40–2pm La Viejada de San Jose
  • 2:30pm–2:50pm Tabia African American Theater
  • 3–4pm Cuatro Con 3 

ACTIVITIES 

  • Calavera de Azúcar decorating: Sugar skulls decorated with brightly colored frosting are often used to decorate ofrendas, or altars, celebrating those we have lost. Make your own with us. 

  • Make your mark! San José State University Professor Irene Carvajal and SJSU artists will lead a printmaking art activation. Inspired by the political posters of Yolanda López, our SJSU collaborators will lead participants through the process of merging the personal and the political in their own prints.

  • Paper Alebrijes: Create some fantastical beasts with us! Draw inspiration from the comparsa, or even the works of art on display! 

 

DISPLAY 

  • Ofrenda by artist Lissa Jones, a lifelong resident of Northern California, born in San Francisco – raised in San José in a multicultural family. Artistically influenced by creative opportunities, travel and academic studiesher work is a fusion of everyday life with cultural ritual. 

 

PARTNER PROGRAMS

Wednesday, October 11– Wednesday, November 8

San José State University (SJSU) King Library presents in partnership with the San Jose Multicultural Artists Guild for the 17th Annual Art of Remembrance Altar Exhibit.

Jennifer & Philip DiNapoli Gallery (2nd Floor), AAACNA Studies Center (5th Floor), & Children's Room (1st Floor).

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library 150 E San Fernando Street, San José 95112

 

Thursday, October 12, 6am–9pm

SJSU King Library in partnership with the San José Multicultural Artists Guild presents the

17th Annual Art of Remembrance Opening Reception – Talkback session with artists.

Jennifer & Philip DiNapoli Gallery (2nd Floor).

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library 150 E San Fernando Street, San José 95112

 

Thursday, October 12–22

Teatro Vision presents La Muerte Baila

an original Milagro Día de los Muertos production devised by Rebecca Martinez and the Milagro Ensemble and directed by Rodrigo García. Music direction by Lolis García. This hilarious musical takes on the afterlife, los muertitos–the dead–can’t wait to get back to earth on Día de los Muertos – and La Muerte can’t wait to finally have a day to relax! But when one soul isn’t ready to go back, everyone’s holiday is in danger! Perfect for the whole family. Tickets are choose-your-own-price, $10-40. More information at www.teatrovision.org/lamuertebaila.

Mexican Heritage Plaza Theater, 1700 Alum Rock Ave, San José 95116

 

Saturday, October 28, 9:30am–12:30pm and 1:30–4:30pm

Día de los Muertos

Children’s Discovery Museum, 180 Woz Way, San José, CA 95110

 

 

IN LOVING MEMORY

Brenda Corban

Raul Lazano

Richard (Rick) Moreno Jr.

Reuben F Sagun

Edgar “Zancudo” Sanchez