Overview
- Día de los Muertos observances run Nov. 1–2 with cities, cultural groups and churches hosting altars, parades, performances and community activities across the U.S.
- El Paso’s festival is set to draw 50,000-plus visitors, with a daytime celebration from 11 a.m. Saturday and a downtown parade at 4 p.m. featuring more than 60 floats over a route exceeding a mile.
- Some Bay Area gatherings have been canceled or scaled back following a recent immigration enforcement threat, though other long-standing celebrations are proceeding with ofrendas, music and dance.
- Core traditions remain central to public events and displays, including marigolds, candles and pan de muerto on ofrendas meant to welcome the spirits of loved ones.
- Institutions and businesses are expanding access, with Phoenix grocers promoting budget-friendly marigolds and pan de muerto, St. Mary’s Basilica hosting its 12th annual festival, universities building campus ofrendas, and Las Vegas’ Colors of Mexico extending its Day of the Dead experience through Nov. 30.