City of San Bernardino to Host Dia de los Muertos Experience November 1-4
Residents Are Encouraged to Contribute Photos of Passed Loved Ones for a Community Ofrenda
The City of San Bernardino Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting a Dia de los Muertos Experience November 1-4 at the downtown Court Street Square, culminating with a community celebration on Saturday, November 4 featuring food, music, dancing, a car show hosted by the Suavecitos Car Club, and the opportunity to view a giant community Ofrenda being assembled during the week.
“This is a great opportunity to bring San Bernardino together in celebration of life,” said San Bernardino Parks and Recreation Director Lydie Gutfeld. “The Court Street Square will be full of life and light as the community celebrates this important time of the year.”
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a day of remembrance - an opportunity for individuals to come together to reflect on family members and friends who have passed away, and to honor, revere, and celebrate their memory.
The Court Street Square will be transformed into a community gathering space where visitors can learn about the Dia de los Muertos, its history, and the elements that are centered around the celebration that make it special.
One of the notable elements will be for San Bernardino residents to submit photos of deceased loved ones for a Community Ofrenda that will encompass the entire stage area. The community can submit photos for the Ofrenda online at: https://www.sbcity.org/city_hall/parks_recreation/DDLM
An Ofrenda is an altar or shrine that families set up in their home for Día de los Muertos to celebrate the departed. During the four-day event, attendees will have an opportunity to view the pictures they submitted of their loved ones for the Ofrenda and celebrate their lives.
Ofrendas are prepared a few days before Dia de los Muertos, when it is believed that the dead return to visit their friends and relatives. The first of November is dedicated to children, and the second of November to adults.
“We hope that the community will engage in the ofrenda and send in the photos of loved ones,” added Gutfeld. “It is an honor to see those that have already been submitted and read the stories of the lives they led.”
San Bernardino’s Community Ofrenda will be on display at the Court Street Square from November 1-4 and in addition to featuring photos of loved ones no longer with us, will include traditional elements such as marigolds (a traditional flower), tapetes (saw dust carpet), and representations of offerings such as fruit and bread.
The Court Street Square is located at located at 349 North E Street in San Bernardino. Security and additional lighting will be on site to ensure a safe and positive experience.
For more information, please call the City of San Bernardino Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department at (909) 384-5233.
San Bernardino Dia de Los Muertos Experience Schedule:
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - November 1, 2, & 3
11:00 am - 2:00 pm Food from Jovie’s food truck available at the Experience
2:00 pm – 8:00 pm Community Ofrenda open for viewing
Saturday, November 4
11:00 am - 5:00 pm Community celebration with entertainment, car show, food, and crafts
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm Community Ofrenda open for viewing