Dia de los Muertos Festival returns Sunday to Downey Civic Center

City of Downey photo

DOWNEY – One of Downey’s most popular cultural traditions returns this weekend as the city hosts its 12th annual Día de Los Muertos Art Festival on Sunday, Nov. 2, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Civic Center.

Presented by the City of Downey and the Downey Theatre, the free festival is expected to draw more than 25,000 visitors for a day of art, music, food, and family-friendly fun.

This year’s celebration will feature seven themed art exhibits ranging from traditional to avant-garde, along with community altars, a “Garden of Catrinas,” a chalk art walk, and a Monarch Butterfly Arch.

Avenida de Arte will showcase interactive workshops by Stay Gallery and Gallery 9, as well as student exhibits from Downey Unified and Southern California Edison’s annual “Day of the Dead” art contest.

Three entertainment stages will host continuous performances throughout the day, complemented by more than ten food vendors, bilingual story times, face painting, and shopping booths.

The festival has received statewide recognition for its cultural impact. Sponsors include Downey Federal Credit Union, Downey Nissan, PIH Health, Raising Cane’s, and new partner Kia of Cerritos.

“Raising Cane’s kicked off their Downey Dia de Los Muertos Festival sponsorship with great success,” said Madison Ellenburg, area leader of Marketing Los Angeles for Raising Cane’s. “The event sparked incredible engagement from the city of Downey, and we’re truly grateful for your outstanding partnership.”