What a wonderful way to celebrate the dead. I remember hearing of ‘All Saints Day’ as a child. I’m sure I knew lots about it as a young Catholic School child, but it didn’t stick with me. When I moved to Petaluma 9 years ago, I remember quite distinctly seeing the ‘ofrendas’ or altars set up in a few scattered spots downtown. I was curious and a bit proud that our town would embrace this lovely tradition although I admit, I knew little about it. Each year the event has grown larger, I’ve learned more and now the downtown is chock full of ofrendas and events surrounding this celebration.

Our little celebration is all grown up. Beginning October 17 and continuing through November 2, this town will be buzzing with a jam packed calendar of events surrounding El Dia de Los Muertos. This is a family event, a time for celebrating with a family reunion – the living and the dead. It is believed that the dead return to visit their families once a year and this celebration is neither somber nor macabre. Rather a time for festivities and community.

During the celebration, you can view the altars made by locals to honor their dead. Families make altars and place ‘ofrendas’ (offerings) of food, fruit, candles, yellow marigolds and photos of the deceased. Each of these is a work of art. Wonderful and unique – some quite plain, and some so incredibly elaborate you will think they’ve been working on them all year – you may be right! There will be over 50 altars in shop windows, building walkways and tucked away in unusual spots. You can find a list of the altars in numerous locations downtown or at the Petaluma Arts Council. Spend some time on the Art and Altar Walk and I assure you you’ll want to be part of this incredible event.

The Art and Altar Walk is a stroll you can do anytime during the two week period. Other events include family workshops, poetry readings, folk dancing, and the culmination on October 30th with the traditional Candlelight procession with music dancing and Giant Puppets. This candlelight procession is worth a trip to Petaluma on Friday October 30 – you will be delighted, I assure you. The event will be on the river this year and it’s always a treat for the senses. Become a facebook friend and you won’t miss a single minute.

Or just head to downtown Petaluma and take in all that this unique and wonderful event has to offer. Just another reason to love our unique and wonderful place to live – Petaluma!


Posted by:Martha O’Hayer