As the calendar flips from summer to fall, it means the arrival of several seasonal holiday celebrations. One date to circle is Saturday, Nov. 2, which marks the return of the annual Día de Los Muertos Parade in Long Beach: a free celebration of life and remembering those who have passed.
The parade will be hosted by Grand Parade Día De Los Muertos Inc. and presented by The City of Long Beach and District One Councilmember Mary Zendejas.
The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Downtown Long Beach alongside the Arte y Ofrendas Festival at Rainbow Lagoon. More details about the festival will be announced at a later date.
“Día de los Muertos is a day to reflect on the beloved traditions deeply rooted in generations of family and culture,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement. “Our parade is set to return this November and we encourage all members of our community to join in the celebration.”
Día de Los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead, can be traced back to the Aztec Empire in Mesoamerica, with strong regional ties in Mexico and throughout Latin America. Present-day celebrations of the holiday typically fall on November 1 and 2. Families gather to pay tribute to departed friends and family members by setting up decorative altars (ofrendas) with radiant orange marigolds, candles, treats and paper banners.
The parade will have grand marshalls (who will be announced closer to the parade), cultural performances, festive floats and involvement from several City departments and community partners. The route will take participants down Pine Avenue beginning at East Third Street and ending at East Shoreline Drive.
“This festive parade celebrates the traditions of Latinx culture honoring loved ones who have passed away and is a fun-filled day that many look forward to celebrating with family and friends,” said District One Councilmember Mary Zendejas in a public statement. “I look forward to seeing all of you there this November!”
The City is now accepting entries for the parade, such as floats, vehicles, marching bands, equestrians, bicycles and motorcycles. Local businesses, nonprofits and community groups can submit a parade application through Friday, Oct. 18 to be a part of the celebration.
The parade entry applicants should embody the following qualities:
- Positive theme in line with Día de los Muertos
- Culturally relevant
- Artistic
- Vibrant
Further information about the City of Long Beach’s 9th Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration will be announced closer to the event date at longbeach.gov/diadelosmuertos.
