Local Cemetery Celebrates Día de Los Muertos

Live Music, Dance Performances will Bring Local Cemetery to Life

COACHELLA — The Coachella Valley Public Cemetery will transform into a spirited celebration of Mexican culture with its annual festivities on Nov. 2, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The event offers the community a unique opportunity to honor their loved ones who have passed during this popular community event located at 82-925 52nd Avenue in Coachella.  Admission is free and open to all.

Families and friends are invited to gather together, honor their loved ones and create stunning altars decorated with colorful papel picado, marigolds, and photographs. Live music and dance performances will bring the cemetery to life, with music and Folklórico dancers showcasing the rich heritage of Mexico.

“Our annual Día de Los Muertos celebration is a time to share stories, remember ancestors, and celebrate the culture that enriches our Coachella Valley community,” said Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District (CVPCD) Chairman, Ernesto Rosales.  The CVPCD operates the public cemetery and has organized this popular event for over a decade.

Guests will be able to enjoy traditional food such as Pan de Muerto, a sweet bread typically associated with the holiday.  Adding a rich cultural element, this special treat is often either eaten or left as an offering at the gravestones of the deceased.

“We saw record attendance last year of more than 10,000 people over the two days of traditional celebration,” added General Manager, Joshua Bonner.  “With November 2nd being a Saturday this year, we believe we will likely see even larger crowds for this year’s celebration.”

While most of the activities and festivities occur on November 2, the Coachella Valley Public Cemetery will also be open the day prior, on Nov. 1, until 7 p.m. in observance of the holiday.  Gates open to the public on both the 1st and the 2nd at 7 a.m.  Guests are welcome to come and pay their respects to their friends and family members who have passed.

For more information, visit CVPCD.org

About the District

The Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District was formed August 8, 1927, under Section 8890 of the California Health and Safety Code. District boundaries include approximately 3,450 square miles.  The District has performed over 24,000 interments and set over 15,000 grave markers.  The Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District is a Special District; a special-purpose governmental unit that exists independent from local governments such as counties and cities.  The Coachella Valley Public Cemetery is one of over 265 public cemetery districts in California.