Ontario Celebrates Día de los Muertos with an Art Exhibit

Through a variety of events and activities, the City of Ontario proudly celebrates the vibrant and culturally rich Día de los Muertos

The Ontario Museum of History & Art and the City of Ontario Recreation & Community Services Department partner to host the annual Día de los Muertos celebrations throughout the City this fall.

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a vibrant and culturally rich celebration that holds great importance for communities, particularly in Mexican and Latin American cultures, observed annually on November 1 and 2.

Residents and visitors alike can participate in the following events:

· Día de los Muertos: Celebrating Artistic Journeys Exhibit; Now – November 2 at the Ontario Museum of History & Art

Día de los Muertos: Celebrating Artistic Journeys highlights contemporary artists who actively redefine the holiday using traditional symbols and imagery to express their connection to Día de los Muertos.

Under the theme Celebrating Artistic Journeys, the exhibition emphasizes how the holiday shapes each artist’s journey, exploring life, identity, and transformation. These creators preserve a timeless tradition while contributing fresh storytelling marked by resilience and innovation.

· Artist Discussion: Día de los Muertos: Celebrating Artistic Journeys, Saturday, October 11 from 2 PM – 3 PM at the Ontario Museum of History & Art

Join the Museum for an afternoon discussion with the curator and exhibiting artists Lisa Cabrera, Frank Carrillo, Jessica Cruz, Marylucille Nuñez, and Theresa Polley-Shellcroft.

· Community Altar; Saturday, October 25 – Sunday, November 2 at the R. Jack Mercer Community Bandstand

Honor loved ones who have passed with a submission to our community altar display. The community can view the altar at the R. Jack Mercer Community Bandstand. Drop off all offerings/display pieces at the Armstrong Community Center, 1265 S. Palmetto Avenue, Ontario, CA 91762. Drop off dates are between October 1 – 22, Monday – Thursday 8 AM – 5:30 PM; Friday 8 AM – 4:30 PM.

· Altar Showcase; Saturday, October 25 – Sunday, November 2 at the R. Jack Mercer Community Bandstand on Euclid and C Street Take pride and make your own altar! Community members can register for their own 10 x 10 space along the Euclid Avenue median to decorate. Proposals will be reviewed prior to approval and accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Participation is free, but space is limited.

· Día de los Muertos Event & Procession; Saturday, November 1 from 3 PM – 9 PM; Procession at 6 PM at the R. Jack Mercer Community Bandstand

Come dressed in your best Día de los Muertos-themed attire to enjoy a mariachi performance, Aztec & folklorico dance performances, crafts, face painting, food and refreshments. The procession will begin on the median at D St. and Euclid Ave. and conclude at the R. Jack Mercer Community Bandstand.

All events are free and for all ages. To learn more about the Día de los Muertos: Celebrating Artistic Journeys exhibit visit: OntarioMuseum.org. For more information regarding the Community Altar, Procession and Altar Showcase, please visit www.OntarioCA.gov/SpecialEvents or contact the Ontario Recreation & Community Services Department at (909) 395-2020.