Day of the Dead celebration brings culture and remembrance to Oakmont Memorial Park
LAFAYETTE, CA (Oct. 18, 2024) — Oakmont Memorial Park invites the community to take part in its Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration, a cherished tradition that honors the lives of those who have passed.
Set for Saturday, Nov. 2, the event promises to be a vibrant display of culture and remembrance, offering a unique opportunity for families to come together and reflect on loved ones in a joyous and meaningful way.
Día de los Muertos, a Mexican holiday deeply rooted in Indigenous traditions, transforms the act of mourning into one of celebration. Families build altars, or ofrendas, adorned with photos, candles, marigolds and favorite foods of the deceased, welcoming their spirits for a brief return to the world of the living. Visitors are encouraged to bring a 5×7 photo of their loved one to contribute to the community altar, which will serve as the heart of the celebration.
While the holiday is festive, it is also deeply spiritual, reminding us of the cyclical nature of life and death.
The day’s festivities will include live mariachi music, Aztec and folkloric dance performances and the popular Catrin & Catrina costume competition, inviting attendees to embrace the rich symbolism of Día de los Muertos through elaborate, skeleton-themed attire. Face painting, traditional Mexican cuisine and activities for all ages will make this a family-friendly event not to be missed.
Located on Reliez Valley Road in Lafayette, Oakmont Memorial Park has been a place of serenity and reflection for the Contra Costa community since 1950. Spanning more than 100 acres, its rolling green hills offer breathtaking views of Mount Diablo and Briones Regional Park, making it one of the most scenic and tranquil resting places in Northern California. Oakmont provides a wide range of services, from traditional burial to cremation, accommodating the diverse cultural and spiritual needs of the community it has served for more than seven decades.
Here is a schedule for the Día de los Muertos:
1 p.m. Welcome and Introduction.
2 p.m. Blessing of the Community Altar.
2:30 p.m. Mariachi Viva Jalisco performs live music.
4:30 p.m. Grupo Folklorico Tlapalli showcases traditional Mexican dance.
5:30 p.m. Catrin & Catrina Costume Competition.
6 p.m. Teokalli Aztec Dance Group closes with a powerful performance.
All day: Face painting, food and cultural activities for all ages.
This event reflects Oakmont’s commitment to honoring diverse traditions and offering a place for the community to celebrate life and remember those who have passed in a meaningful way.
As Día de los Muertos approaches, we encourage you to mark your calendars and experience the beauty of this ancient tradition at Oakmont Memorial Park. Whether you are familiar with the holiday or new to its customs, this celebration promises to be a moving and memorable experience for all.
¡Gracias! Thank you!
For more information, visit Oakmont Memorial Park at 2099 Reliez Valley Road, Lafayette, or call 925-935-3311.