The annual Día de los Muertos celebration in Vallejo is set to take place on November 1, marking its 12th anniversary. This year, organizer Mario Saucedo, representing the Solano AIDS Coalition, plans to shift focus from traditional regalias to the altar, aiming to deepen the community’s connection to this culturally significant event.
In past celebrations, much emphasis was placed on the decorative Catrinas, but Saucedo has noticed a change in community involvement. “People are coming dressed as Catrinas on their own,” he explained, prompting a new direction for this year’s festivities. Instead of creating new regalias, the focus will be on enhancing the altar, which serves as a central element of the celebration.
As the event approaches, local artists have gathered to contribute to the decorations. At Saucedo’s home, nearly a dozen creators are painting an archway adorned with skulls, symbolizing the passage between the living and the deceased. “I just wanted everyone to understand our culture,” Saucedo said, expressing his excitement about the project.
Among the participating artists is metalworker Alicia Gomez, who shared her personal connection to the celebration. “Día de los Muertos for me is a big celebration for all those who have died,” she remarked, adding that her tribute includes a skull designed in memory of her niece, who passed away at a young age.
For many, this day serves as a poignant reminder of lost loved ones. Vallejo artist Veronica Lindsey expressed that this event allows her to feel close to her father, who died recently. “When you lose someone close to you, you really feel it,” she noted, highlighting the emotional significance of the occasion.
The community has shown a strong interest in the celebration, with Saucedo noting positive feedback from attendees of various ethnic backgrounds. They have expressed gratitude for the opportunity to honor their lost loved ones during this event.
The procession of Catrinas will commence at 15:00 from the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum, moving to a large ofrenda located at the old Federal Building on the corner of Marin and Carolina Streets. This museum serves as a fitting launch point, having collaborated with various local groups to create displays that illustrate the cultural significance of Día de los Muertos. Among the highlights will be a performance of Wonderlandia, a reimagined musical based on “Alice in Wonderland,” performed through a Latin lens with folklorico music.
Award-winning singer-songwriter and Netflix actress Gabriela Sepúlveda is scheduled to perform during the festivities at 17:00.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, there are concerns regarding recent government actions affecting the local community. Saucedo reported that some vendors and performers expressed apprehension due to the presence of federal agents on Alameda Island. “Our community is very diverse and some are afraid,” he said, emphasizing the need for a safe environment during the celebration.
The impact of federal immigration policies has been felt in past Vallejo events, with participation numbers significantly decreasing. For instance, attendance at the Fiestas Patrias celebration dropped from 2,500 to around 800 this year due to fears surrounding immigration enforcement.
Despite these challenges, local artists and community members are rallying to support the event. “I wish that the whole community gets together because this event is very important,” Saucedo commented, underscoring the celebration’s role in promoting culture, diversity, and togetherness.
For further details on Vallejo’s Día de los Muertos celebration, visit the Solano AIDS Coalition on Facebook. Tickets for the performances can be purchased at vallejomuseum.net/event/wonderlandia.
