By Redaccion
[email protected]
The Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) and the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) are teaming up once again to celebrate Día de los Muertos with a free family day event on Sunday, October 20.
The event will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and feature a wide range of cultural activities, including a Day of the Dead procession, or calenda, that will move from the SBMA to the MCASB.
This year marks the 35th annual celebration at SBMA, which honors the Mexican tradition of remembering loved ones who have passed away. The event will include a variety of family-friendly activities, such as altar displays, art workshops, live music, and traditional dance performances. For the second consecutive year, a Day of the Dead procession will depart from SBMA, weaving its way to MCASB, offering a unique way for the community to engage with this meaningful cultural tradition. Admission to both museums and all activities is free.
Art Activities Inspired by Museum Collections
Inspired by the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos and the current exhibitions on view at the museum, SBMA has planned a series of art-making workshops for families. Activities include creating skull charms and still life collages, inspired by the work of Alfredo Ramos Martínez, and designing paper flower headdresses, which participants are encouraged to wear during the procession. Another art activity draws inspiration from Rufino Tamayo’s work, inviting attendees to create nichos—small shadow boxes used to display altars in Mexican culture—made from newspaper.
The Procession: A Joyous Community Celebration
One of the most anticipated moments of the day is the calenda, a traditional Oaxacan celebration featuring live music, dancing, and a festive parade. This year’s procession will begin at 4 p.m. on SBMA’s front terrace and travel down State Street towards MCASB, located in the Arts Terrace at Paseo Nuevo.
The calenda is a vibrant expression of joy, family, and community, and the organizers encourage everyone to participate, whether by watching or dancing along. The procession will feature traditional Oaxacan and Guerrero state music and dances, including performances by the Banda de Viento de San Jorge de Oaxaca, traditional dances from the Mixtec region, and a special appearance by the famous Monos de Calenda, large papier-mâché puppets that often lead processions in Oaxaca.
The celebration will continue at MCASB, where the procession will conclude with more traditional dance performances, an altar dedicated to the deceased, and food vendors serving authentic Oaxacan cuisine. The atmosphere will shift into a lively dance party at 6:30 p.m., featuring the musical group Los Hijos de San Juan Mixtepec.
Full Schedule of Events
The day will be packed with activities for visitors of all ages:
• At SBMA:
• 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Altars created by school and community groups will be on display.
• 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Art activities inspired by Alfredo Ramos Martínez and Rufino Tamayo.
• 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.: Crafting paper flower headdresses for the procession.
• 3:45 p.m.: Gather on SBMA’s front terrace to prepare for the procession.
• At MCASB:
• 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.: Procession along State Street to Paseo Nuevo, with dance performances along the way.
• 5 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.: Catrina contest, with the winner featured on stage.
• 5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.: Traditional dance performances.
• 6:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.: Dance party featuring Los Hijos de San Juan Mixtepec.
Free family guides will be available at both museums in English and Spanish, providing an opportunity for all visitors to engage with the history and significance of Día de los Muertos.
Cultural Significance and Museum Support
The celebration is more than just a day of activities; it represents the blending of art, culture, and community, allowing families to honor their ancestors while experiencing the vibrancy of Mexican traditions. Calendas in Oaxaca are deeply rooted in the region’s history and are often held for important events, fostering a sense of unity and shared joy.
Generous support for the 2024 Día de los Muertos Family Day is provided by the Hazen Family Foundation, with the music, dance, and procession events organized in partnership with MCASB.
The Santa Barbara Museum of Art, located at 1130 State Street, is one of the premier art institutions on the West Coast, celebrated for its internationally recognized exhibitions and rich permanent collection. The Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara, located in the Paseo Nuevo Upper Arts Terrace, complements SBMA’s offerings by showcasing cutting-edge contemporary works from local and international artists.
Both museums are open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, with extended hours on the first Thursday of each month. Admission to the Día de los Muertos event and both museums is free. For more information, visit www.sbma.net and www.mcasantabarbara.org.
