Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, begins on Friday, Nov. 1 as the day when family and friends gather to remember and honor the lives of loved ones who have passed away.
The cultural event originates from Mexico, with some accounts tracing the tradition back to Indigenous Mexican or ancient Aztec origins. Long Beach has several ways to celebrate the holiday throughout the weekend, from intimate and artistic to lively and sprawling. Most of these events are free, and they all offer insights into the various traditions tied to the holiday, including altars, food, music and connection.
Friday, Nov. 1
Mini Ofrendas: Residents have until Nov. 8 to view the finalists in the Museum of Latin American Art’s mini ofrenda contest. The ofrendas are on display in the lobby of the museum, and residents can view them for free.
The Museum of Latin American Art is located at 628 Alamitos Ave. and open from Wednesdays to Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free.
Marie’s Tek Tec Celebration: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Marie’s Tek Tec will be transformed into a vibrant “cemetario,” with ofrendas, colorful decorations and traditional touches for this free, all ages welcome event. Attendees can also add to a community altar, which will be decorated with marigolds, candles and personal tributes. Those who bring a photo of a deceased loved one will receive a complimentary shot as a gesture of community spirit and shared remembrance. The event will also feature face painting and color stations, ghost tequila Mexican candy shots, specialty cocktails, slushies and cumbia music. Attendees can enjoy a powerful Aztec dance ceremony, honoring ancient Mesoamerican traditions and one’s connection to the afterlife. After 10 p.m., this event will be for those 21 and older.
Marie’s Tek Tec is located in Roxanne’s at 1115 E Wardlow Road. Entry is free.
Bixby Knolls First Fridays: 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Businesses along Atlantic Avenue will activate the street to celebrate Día de los Muertos during its monthly First Fridays event. Lola’s Mexican Cuisine will have live music, dancing and street food. The Historical Society of Long Beach will host a Day of the Dead sound bath, while Pixie Toys and Steelcraft will offer free face painting. Beachwood Brewing will have a specialty Belgian-style sour on tap, inspired by Mexican candies and made with a blend of tamarind, five different chilis and fruits. The Merchant will be serving homemade tamales, champurrado, churros, pan de muerto, pumpkin pan dulces, beer and wine. The Merchant will also have a Mexican trio band playing traditional music and a makers market featuring small businesses. The Art Spot will allow attendees to paint sugar skulls and pottery. The Expo Arts Center will have a community ofrenda on display and an “After Life” art installation. There will be an electric shuttle offering free rides to residents along Atlantic Avenue. Free.
Desserts for the Dead: Times vary. Long Beach Creamery is offering a special holiday-themed menu from Nov. 1-3. Patrons can enjoy concha ice cream sandwiches, a dulce de leche topping, a For the Dead Sundae, churro butter cake and other special ice cream flavors.
Long Beach Creamery is located at 222 E Broadway and 4141 Long Beach Blvd. Prices vary.
Saturday, Nov. 2
Mikailuitl: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Semillitas Learning Community will be hosting a gathering to honor Mexican ancestry with ofrendas, an opening ceremony, a path of offerings, music, a calaverita parade, ballet folklórico, arts and crafts, DJ sets, workshops, an artist marketplace, traditional food and drinks and much more. This gathering is free to attend.
This event will take place at the Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum at 18127 S. Alameda St. Free.
Día de los Muertos at the Bembridge House: 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Long Beach Heritage is hosting this Día de los Muertos celebration at the historic Bembridge House featuring a simple holiday craft, music, agua frescas, polvorones (Mexican cookies), Mexican candies, conchas and horchata. This event is free to the public, but parking near the Bembridge house can be challenging so attendees are encouraged to walk, bike or use a rideshare app.
The Bembridge house is located at 953 N Park Circle. Free.
Día de Muertos Celebration: 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Residents are invited to this gathering at the Mark Twain Neighborhood Library to make crafts, decorate traditional sugar skulls, get their face painted, enjoy refreshments and take part in a community altar. To take part in the community ofrenda, send a high quality photo of a loved one who has passed away to Branch Manager Nancy Garcia Ramirez Nancy.GarciaRamirez@longbeach.gov.
The Mark Twain Neighborhood Library is located at 1401 E Anaheim St. Free.
Sunday, Nov. 3
Cafecito y Cuentos; Poesia y Conexión: 11 a.m. & 5 p.m. Local Latin-owned bookshop Casita Bookstore will be hosting two events this Sunday, in its inaugural Día de los Muertos celebration. Beginning at 11 a.m., families can enjoy a heartwarming story time and book release of the children’s book “Calaveras and Torito” by Naibe Reynoso, which tells the story of a lonely skeleton boy and his skeleton dog, who look forward to the Day of the Dead as the only day when they get to blend in with everyone else. Following the story time, families can enjoy an arts and crafts time, coffee from Tazitas and pan de muerto from Gusto Bread.
In the evening, poet Solany Lara will be giving a reading and having a conversation on her book “Hija de mi Padre.” The community is invited at this time to bring a special item or picture to add to Casita’s ofrenda.
Taco Death Match: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. The inaugural Taco Death Match will feature 10 local chefs crafting unique “ofrenda tacos” that pay tribute to their loved ones at Mosaic in Downtown Long Beach. Tacos will be paired with a festival-exclusive beer from a local brewery. This event will also feature tequila tastings, shopping, live entertainment and of course, taco tastings. Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased online. The Mosaic is located at 290 E Fourth St.
