Dias de los Muertos -- for everyone

It's my favorite celebration of the year: we dedicate Day of the Dead to our dearly departed, our loved ones who went on to the next world ahead of us.

We fete in the memory of our parents, our grandparents, our friends; eat their favorite dishes, sing their favorite songs, and for a few hours, we feel their presence again.

It's magical.

Three local celebrations are taking place:

NOVEMBER 1

CSUMB

CSU Monterey Bay hosts its 16th annual Dia de los Muertos celebration at 6 p.m. in the University Center, on Sixth Avenue and B Street. Free and open to the public.

Performances by Aztec dancers and musicians will highlight the evening. Altars will be on display; pan dulce and hot chocolate will be served.

ALISAL CENTER FOR THE FINE ARTS

Will have a procession from Closter Park on East Salinas to the Alisal Center for the Fine Arts at 6 p.m. With Aztec dancers, folklórico dancers, and more music. Free.

The Alisal Center for the Fine Arts is at 745. N. Sanborn St., Salinas.

NOVEMBER 2

STEINBECK CENTER

Dia de los Muertos and First Friday

From 5 till 8 p.m.
One Main Street, Salinas

The procession will begin from Hartnell College to the National Steinbeck Center. There will be performances by the Yaocuauhtli Aztec Dancers, the Youth Orchestra of Salinas, acoustic guitar, and local band, Ill Fusion. Other activities include an art and crafts area for young people and the opening of a photography exhibition on Mesoamerican Cultural Preservation by Marianne Mangold. Enjoy hot chocolate, sweet bread, music, a community altar and a Frida Kahlo lookalike contest. For more information click here.