The centuries-old tradition of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) will be celebrated this year on the grounds of the Latino Center of Art and Culture. This annual LCAC event, El Panteón de Sacramento, features live dance and music. And dozens of traditional memorials will be created by families and friends to honor those who have passed, telling the stories of their departed loved ones. These colorful ofrendas are adorned with sugar skulls, food and drink once enjoyed by the departed, flowers, and personal mementos. Bathed in the light of the moon during evening hours and filled with drifting fragrances of copal and cempasuchil, the bright marigolds considered the flowers of the dead, El Panteón is not only a place of remembrance, but a joyous celebration of our loved ones.

This year, the theme revolves around what it means to remember, mainly what it means to remember those spirits who have been forgotten. In a world of capitalism, war, police brutality, and many other human struggles we face the reality that there are many people who pass away without loved ones to remember them.

El Panteón will have free off-site parking a few blocks away at 2300 Front St. It is strongly recommend to carpool or use a rideshare app. The Center is also just a short bike or scooter ride from Midtown Sac. They will have a dropoff area in front for anyone coming via ridesharing app, or anyone else in need. They will also have limited handicapped parking close to the entrance, please bring your placard if you plan to use the handicapped parking.