Support ARTS Programs

Our Dia de Muertos community altar will honor our migration stories and loved ones who have passed away. Our programs team and youth participants have been creating handmade decorations and offerings to commemorate those who have passed. You are welcome to bring offerings and photos of your loved ones to participate in the celebration that night. We will also observe our loved ones who have passed through the Filipino tradition of Undas, held on November 1st and 2nd, by wearing white and taking part in a symbolic gravestone activity.

Come learn more about these cultural traditions and celebrate our loved ones and our familiar histories through community and art!

Our Community ARTS project teams are excited to lead a variety of interactive art activities:

- Sonic Altars/Altares Sonoros: Sonic representations of altares that build on the aurality of remembering the people being celebrated, drawing on sounds from special memories, places, and things the honored person enjoyed. Presented as a series of pieces developed by students who use sampling and DAWs to honor beloved spirits no longer with us.

- Altar Making Workshop: A hands-on art activity in the gallery, inviting participants to paint and sculpt their own miniature altars using materials such as chipboard, paint pens, and Model Magic.

- Mask Decorating: Community members of all ages are invited to personalize their own paper masks using colorful paint markers and a variety of decorative materials. Inspired by the vibrant colors, patterns, and traditions of these commemorative celebrations, participants will create unique works of art that honor creativity, cultural expression, and remembrance.

- Encoded: Honor hidden communication traditions of Día de los Muertos by branding symbolic codes onto wood for a communal piece and receiving a laser-cut strip to take home.

- Marigold Painting and Dedications: A fun, creative craft experience where participants will explore vibrant neon paints on black paper to create their own beautiful marigold-inspired artwork. Add a personal touch by including a heartfelt dedication, a letter to someone special, or meaningful illustrations to honor and remember a loved one.

- Sacred Stitches: Participants will create their own handmade felt pin inspired by Día de los Muertos. Using felt, needle, thread, and beads, each participant will hand-stitch a small decorative patch in the shape of their choice, such as a sacred heart, milagro, or other traditional motifs.

We are excited to present several live performances and presentations throughout the night, starting with Tlapalán from Sweetwater High School Ballet Folklorico, electronic and experimental techno project Adios Mundo Cruel, National City natives Together Again Band, Filipino Friends Cultural Dancers, and live mariachi performances from Mariachi Serenata.

You can also look forward to some annual favorites such as decorating calaveras de azucar with Casa Familiar and face painting with Iris. We’ll also have some new and exciting activities such as Trunk or Treat, a new Halloween activity for the kiddos hosted by Domestic Car Club, a community art exhibition at the ARTS Gallery called The Space Between, and a vendors market in our newly renovated Visual ARTS Room!

Our friends at IPS have curated valuable community resources and information from participating vendors to ensure a rich, engaging experience. While you are at the event, explore each table, collect stamps in your program, and enter our raffle for a chance to win exciting prizes.

We are honored to partner with a diverse group of organizations, each of which contributes unique expertise to advancing health and equity.

Institute for Public Strategies (IPS) focuses on public health and reducing disparities through community-based prevention and advocacy.

IPS South Bay is a project of the Institute for Public Strategies, a nonprofit providing services and technical assistance to prevent Substance Use Disorders (SUD) in the South Bay since 2008.

Clean Coast Collaborative (CCC) is a youth action team that raises awareness and encourages youth to take action on the Tijuana River Pollution crisis through leadership and civic engagement.

Youth in Action is youth-focused and educates youth in the South Bay and San Diego Border Regions about advocacy, leadership, and substance misuse prevention.

CALI supports the Latine community in the South Bay and border regions by reducing stigma around opioid and stimulant use, expanding access to culturally responsive education and treatment, and promoting healing through storytelling.

Casa Familiar has served South San Diego County for decades, evolving its programs to support residents’ changing needs.

Join us by dressing in traditional Dia de los Muertos and Undas attire! This year, we'll host a costume contest with 4 categories:

1. Best Cultural Wear

2. Best DIY/Handmade

3. Scariest

4. Funniest

Here are some tips for dressing up:

Dia de los Muertos: For this celebration, consider wearing skull makeup with colorful, vibrant shades! Traditional Catrinas wear colorful, flowing dresses and skirts. For a more masculine look, you might opt for a black suit or a charro jacket.

Undas: Traditionally, Undas attire includes light colors and white, reflecting modesty and respect for the loved ones we are honoring.

We are excited to welcome ‘friend of ARTS’ Iris Rain, who will be providing face painting at the event!

Throughout our space, there will be opportunities to taste cultural and traditional dishes from the Dia de los Muertos and the Filipino community. We will offer traditional Pan de Muerto from Clementina’s Sweets and Hot Chocolate for all guests, as well as other food and drink specialties for purchase from our friends at Cafeina Cafe and La Chulona.

Make sure to come early, we are excited to offer your choice of free tacos or coffee to our first 60 guests who arrive!

Visit our local vendor booths, La Casita and Baile Folklor Mexico, to discover unique handcrafted goods that celebrate the vibrant traditions of Mexican culture.