Salinas Day of the Dead Events

The Mexican traditional celebration of the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is a time for people to remember those who have passed before us. Salinas honors this tradition with a series of community events for children and adults hosted at and organized by the National Steinbeck Center, Hartnell College and Artistas Unidos. Events include art exhibits, dance, music, workshops, a community procession, and even a Frida Kahlo look-alike contest.

Children's Events

The National Steinbeck Center hosts a mask-making workshop for children on Saturday October 31 from 10am to noon. Jose Ortiz and artists from his murals program Hijos del Sol will show the children how to make traditional Día de los Muertos masks. $5 for children, $2.50 for Kids Club members.

Exhibitions

Jose Ortiz curates a Day of the Dead exhibition at the National Steinbeck Center featuring work from Monterey County artists. The exhibition will run from October 30 to November 30, and can be viewed with a paid admission to the museum.

Artistas Unidos will host an exhibition of local artists' work, "Bailando con la Muerte" at the Hartnell College Gallery from October 26 through December 15. The Day of the Dead-focused art at this exhibition will take its inspiration from the work of John Steinbeck. Admission is free.

Artists' Reception

Artistas Unidos and the National Steinbeck Center will hold an artists' reception, including live music, dance performances and multi-lingual poetry readings at the Hartnell College Gallery from 2 to 5pm on Sunday, November 1. Admission to the reception is free, and traditional refreshments will be served.

Día de los Muertos Procession

At 4pm, participants from throughout the area will join in a procession from Hartnell College to the National Steinbeck Center. This procession provides the perfect opportunity for children who created masks in the October 31 workshop to show off their handiwork.

Night of Fridas

The Frida Kahlo lookalike contest Night of Fridas begins with registration during the November 1 artists' reception. All contestants must participate in the Día de los Muertos procession from Hartnell College to the National Steinbeck Center. The winner of the Frida Kahlo lookalike contest will be announced at the National Steinbeck Center at the end of the procession.