Riverside celebrated Day of the Dead two days in a row for the first time. The 21st annual event took place in downtown Riverside on Nov. 2 and Nov. 3. This cultural event celebrated life and honored the traditional Día de los Muertos with its colorful altars in White Park, live music and dance performances. People from all over the city gathered to remember their loved ones who had passed and partake in the celebrations by donning Catrina makeup, eating delicious food and watching Lucha Libre.

Personal, vivid ofrendas filled White Park. Each showed photos of family, friends, pets and celebrities who had passed. Cempasúchil flowers adorned every altar, yet no altar was the same. Personalized messages, food and music added an intimate touch to the remembrance. Food trucks, city booths and art stands lined both sides of Market Street. Beautiful, custom lowriders were showcased on 10th and 13th Streets. All kinds of food were being sold, including birria, tacos and elotes. The art stands featured custom jorongos, Huichol jewelry and small wooden alebrijes. There were also artists doing live art and it was cool to see the piece's progression the more you walked by.

Attendees gathered around to watch traditional Aztec and folklórico dances. The Aztec performers gave their all as they danced to the rhythm of the drums and rattles in elaborate, vibrant, colorful outfits. Full faces of makeup and large feathered headdresses accompanied them. The folklórico performers wowed the crowd with their flowy skirts, elaborate footwork that echoed off the stage and lively gritos, highlighting different regions of Mexico. The event also featured carnival games, a few rides and a funhouse where adults and children could pass the time.

As the night went on, more and more people filled the streets. Masked performers with whips paraded through the multitudes, followed by a banda. They then opened a dance circle and whirled around while whipping the ground with loud cracks. After the masked performers left, the DJ played “El Caballo Dorado,” and a large crowd came forward to participate in the synchronized dance. Further down the street another crowd whoo-ed and ooo-ed as luchadores fought each other in the ring. The wrestlers threw and jumped on one another to see who would tap out first, keeping the audience captivated.

Riverside’s Day of the Dead festival did an excellent job of blending Mexican heritage and celebration, creating a worthwhile experience for everyone.

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