Annual Dia de Muertos
November 1, 2026 at 6 PM
The Sonoma Community Center will hold its 17th annual Día de Muertos altar lighting on November 1 at 6:30 PM at the west side of the SCC Front Garden, followed by a celebration with traditional Ballet Folklórico dancers, food vendors and cultural activities on the SCC Back Patio.
Community members are warmly invited to bring a weather-resistant photograph or image of a departed loved one and hang it on the altar starting Friday, October 25th.
Whether they were family, a dear friend, a beloved companion, or someone whose life touched yours, their memory has a place here. One may also write a personal message on one of the gold paper butterflies provided at the altar, and hang it alongside the images.
If you would like to help us decorate the altar, please sign up here: Dia volunteering
Dia Programming & Classes
Every October, the Center offers a variety of programs and other activities in conjunction with Día de Muertos, inviting our community to join us in exploring the cultural practices and traditions surrounding this holiday. Please check our event calendar for more information about upcoming Día de Muertos programming and events.
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Open to AllEnglish · Spanish · Open to All
Culinary ArtsPan de Muerto5:30 pm – 8:00 pmFree Learn More -
Open to AllEnglish · Spanish · Open to All
BilingualPaper Flowers (Día de Los Muertos)2:00 pm – 3:00 pm$25 Learn More -
Open to AllEnglish · Spanish · Open to All
Culinary ArtsSugar Skulls6:00 pm – 8:00 pm$25 Learn More
About the Altar
Our 12’ public altar, constructed by local sculptor Jim Callahan, has ample room for photos and other items that honor lost loved ones, and every year we invite community members to contribute their mementos to the ofrenda in a shared celebration of those who have passed on. See how to submit a photo below.
Digital submissions are open until Monday, October 27.
Community members are welcome to leave a note or photo at the altar anytime during the month of November.
Community Butterfly Project
As part of our Día de Muertos celebration, children and adults are invited to decorate butterflies as symbols of migration, resilience, and hope.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are lots of ways to get involved in our annual Día de Muertos programming, including volunteering, in-kind or financial contributions, and sponsorships.
Support our Dia de Muertos celebrations
This event is completely free to the public. However, donations are appreciated to support the administration of this event.
You can donate to the Sonoma Community Center here.