Ontario celebrates Día de los Muertos with art exhibit, community altar and procession

The Ontario Museum of History & Art (OMHA) and the City of Ontario Recreation & Community Services Department are coming together to host the annual Día de los Muertos celebrations all throughout the city through Nov. 17.

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 Nov. 1 and 2.

Residents and visitors alike can participate in the following events:

Día de los Muertos: Healing & Remembrance exhibit; Through Nov. 17 at the Ontario Museum of History & Art

The 26^th edition of the Museum’s annual Día de los Muertos exhibit focuses on the many forms of healing and the remembrance of loved ones. The exhibit will present a diverse range of media— including paintings, sculptures, mixed media, photography, and altar installations—to showcase a multicultural perspective on life and death.

Community Altar; Wednesday, Oct. 23 to Sunday, Nov. 3 at the R. Jack Mercer Community Bandstand

Celebrate the life and memory of your loved ones who have passed away by participating in the Community Altar. Bring your offering—a picture, personal note, or other small remembrance item—between Oct. 14 to 23 to the Armstrong Community Center and add your story to the community altar. The altar will be on display at the R. Jack Mercer Community Bandstand along Euclid Avenue and C Street beginning Oct. 23 to Nov. 3.

DÍa de los Muertos gallery reception; Friday, Nov. 1 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Ontario Museum of History & Art

Explore the cultural significance of this ancient Mesoamerican tradition through intricate displays and meaningful tributes honoring deceased ancestors and friends created by your local community. Experience hands-on art making activities such as calavera painting or strengthen your art skills by participating in a self-lead still-life drawing class. This year, Ballet Folklorico Mi Lindo Mexico will give a live performance celebrating the beauty of Mexican culture through dance as well as local artist vendors such as Nancy’s House of Dolls.

Altar Showcase; Friday, Nov. 1 along Euclid Ave

The Altar Showcase is an open-air exhibition that will take place during the City of Ontario’s Día de los Muertos Community Altar and Procession event. Community members can register for their own 10-by-10’-foot space along the Euclid Ave. median to decorate. Participation is free, but space is limited.

Día de los Muertos Procession; Friday, Nov. 1 from 5 to 9 p.m. start at D St. and Euclid Ave. and conclude at the R. Jack Mercer Community Bandstand

Dress in your best Día de los Muertos-themed attire to enjoy a mariachi performance, dance performances, crafts, face painting and 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: Healing & Remembrance exhibit visit: www.ontariomuseum.org/currentexhibitions. 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.

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