Redwood City's Dı́a de los Muertos this year recognizes Mexico region of Xochimilco

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Redwood City's Courthouse Square will be transformed with family altars, sugar skulls, marigolds and live performances for this Sunday's Día de los Muertos celebration.

cartina — La Catrina. Casa Círculo Cultural

Residents are invited to attend the annual celebration of life and enjoy live performances, traditional food, arts and crafts and a free exhibition inside the San Mateo County History Museum showcasing altars and hand-made crafts.

The Nov. 6 event, which runs from 3:40 to 8 p.m. in the city plaza, is hosted by Casa Círculo Cultural, the San Mateo County History Museum and Friends of the Redwood City Library. The event has been held every year in Redwood City since 2011.

Día de los Muertos is an annual multi-day Mexican holiday that begins on Nov.1 and celebrates loved ones who have died. Families set up ofrendas — altars — with sugar skulls known as calaveras, flowers, candles and photos of those who have passed as a way to commemorate and celebrate their lives. Foods and beverages, such as bread and tequila, are often placed on the ofrenda so that when the souls of the dead return, they can enjoy a meal.

Each year, organizers select a region of Mexico as the event theme. This year’s theme will be Xochimilco, a region in Mexico City that is best known for cultivating flowers. Day of the Dead celebrations are significant in this region and include offerings are made in honor of the deceased loved ones with flowers left in the pantheons.

While many families still celebrate the holiday with personal and sometimes religious traditions, public celebrations hosted by Casa Círculo Cultural have become Redwood City’s celebration of diversity and culture.

Earlier this year, the community was invited to build altars for the special exhibit. The altar exhibit will be on display inside the San Mateo County History Museum from Nov. 6 until Nov. 11.

A food court will provide a number of delicious offerings through several vendors, including traditional Día de los Muertos food, such as hot chocolate, pan de muerto and tamales.

Welcome speeches and processions will be held at 6 p.m. The event will also include: