Large annual Modesto cultural celebration canceled. Where else to mark tradition
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Downtown festival at Tenth Street Plaza canceled.
- Other groups will host free events.
- Family activities included at the festivals.
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Families can honor life during this year’s Day of the Dead observances.
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is rooted in Mexican culture and celebrates those who have died. There will be events in Modesto marking the tradition.
But a large celebration held downtown annually has been canceled. A festival on Tenth Street Plaza was scheduled for Oct. 25, organizer Maggie Mejia said, but won’t happen due to a conflicting event at the location.
Instead, Mejia is helping bring Día de los Muertos activities to another event planned by a local car club (more on that below).
There will be a trio of events at various downtown locations on various days so you can enjoy all three – and all for free.
They are the highlights for October in a monthly feature that offers fresh ideas to parents for getting out and about in the region with their children.
Helping children understand legacies
Día de los Muertos is a way to “get kids to start asking questions about who their family was,” said Jessica Flores, culture services program manager for the city of Modesto, which is presenting the first upcoming event. “It’s a really good way to get kids interested in preserving their family legacies.”
The two-evening celebration is at the McHenry Museum, 1402 I St., from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, and Saturday, Oct. 18.
Called the “Between Two Worlds: Día de los Muertos Celebration,” it promises ofrendas (altars dedicated to deceased loved ones), folklorico dancers, music, a lowrider car show at 14th and I streets (Friday only, beginning at 6:30 p.m.) and more.
“Come honor loved ones and immerse yourself in the beauty of culture and tradition,” a Modesto Parks, Recreation & Neighborhoods Facebook post says.
“I think it really introduces those who aren’t aware of it to the tradition of the culture,” Flores said, adding the city hopes it becomes an annual celebration. “It’s a good way for kids to learn to start connecting to family members who have passed away.”
People can take copies of photos to add to a community ofrenda, or sign up for a space to build their own at the museum. To register for an altar, go to forms.monday.com/forms/6abd5006e9b2d644b08d5885efeff319?r=use1.
On Oct. 25, the Modesto Impala Car Club will host Impalaween, which Mejia said will include Día de los Muertos activities.
Impalaween will be held outside Persuasion Brewing Company, 500 Seventh St., from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
The Impala club will hold a trunk-or-treat for children. There will be a kids costume contest, according to Mejia, as well as lotería — a Mexican game similar to bingo — for all ages.
Fleet Sliders Classic Trucks Club will have ofrendas on their trucks, as well, Mejia said.
On Nov. 1 from 4 to 9 p.m., there will be a Día de los Muertos Mole Festival at 711 I St., presented by Amor Y Cultura.
Set are activities for children, live entertainment, local artisan and business vendors, street food, a mole contest and more, according to the event’s Facebook page.
Also planned is a contest in which participants dress up as Catrina, a female skeletal figure symbolic of the holiday.
Mejia said the celebrations of Día de los Muertos are family orientated. “It’s a way of teaching our children ... what it’s really about.”
