Dia de los Muertos Celebration Announced

Pasadena will celebrate Dia de los Muertos with dance performances, traditional altars and cultural activities on Friday, Oct. 24.

The free event runs from 5 to 9 p.m. at Villa Parke Community Center, at 363 E. Villa Street.

The celebration will feature “ofrendas” — altars honoring deceased loved ones — alongside arts and crafts activities. Food will be available for purchase.

The celebration commemorates the centuries-old Mexican holiday honoring the dead.

The City of Pasadena Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department is hosting the event with the Pasadena Latino Heritage Committee as part of the Latino Heritage Festival.

This year’s festival theme is “Un Pasado con Orgullo, un Futuro con Esperanzas,” or “A Proud Past, a Hopeful Future,” which highlights a “proud and resilient Latino community that continues to grow, thrive, and honor its roots,” organizers said.

Organizers said the festival provides “a much-needed opportunity to celebrate our culture and community.”