City of Ontario Celebrates Día de los Muertos with Art Exhibit, Community Altar, and Procession

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City of Ontario

Department of Museum, Arts & Culture

City of Ontario Celebrates Día de los Muertos with Art Exhibit, Community Altar, and Procession

Through a variety of events and activities, the City of Ontario proudly celebrates the vibrant and culturally rich Día de los Muertos

The Ontario Museum of History & Art and the City of Ontario Recreation & Community Services Department partner to host the annual Día de los Muertos celebrations throughout the City this fall.

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 November 1 and 2.

Residents and visitors alike can participate in the following events:

• Día de los Muertos: Celebrating Artistic Journeys Exhibit; Now – November 2 at the Ontario Museum of History & Art

  Día de los Muertos: Celebrating Artistic Journeys highlights contemporary artists who actively redefine the holiday using traditional symbols and imagery to express their connection to Día de los Muertos. 

  Under the theme Celebrating Artistic Journeys, the exhibition emphasizes how the holiday shapes each artist’s journey, exploring life, identity, and transformation. These creators preserve a timeless tradition while contributing fresh storytelling marked by resilience and innovation.  

• Artist Discussion: Día de los Muertos: Celebrating Artistic Journeys, Saturday, October 11 from 2 PM – 3 PM at the Ontario Museum of History & Art

  Join the Museum for an afternoon discussion with the curator and exhibiting artists Lisa Cabrera, Frank Carrillo, Jessica Cruz, Marylucille Nuñez, and Theresa Polley-Shellcroft. 

• Community Altar; Saturday, October 25 – Sunday, November 2 at the R. Jack Mercer Community Bandstand

  Honor loved ones who have passed with a submission to our community altar display. The community can view the altar at the R. Jack Mercer Community Bandstand. Drop off all offerings/display pieces at the Armstrong Community Center, 1265 S. Palmetto Avenue, Ontario, CA 91762. Drop off dates are between October 1 – 22, Monday – Thursday 8 AM – 5:30 PM; Friday 8 AM – 4:30 PM.  

• Altar Showcase; Saturday, October 25 – Sunday, November 2 at the R. Jack Mercer Community Bandstand on Euclid and C Street
  Take pride and make your own altar! Community members can register for their own 10 x 10 space along the Euclid Avenue median to decorate.  Proposals will be reviewed prior to approval and accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Participation is free, but space is limited.

• Día de los Muertos Event & Procession; Saturday, November 1 from 3 PM – 9 PM; Procession at 6 PM at the R. Jack Mercer Community Bandstand

  Come dressed in your best Día de los Muertos-themed attire to enjoy a mariachi performance, Aztec & folklorico dance performances, crafts, face painting, 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: Celebrating Artistic Journeys exhibit visit: OntarioMuseum.org. 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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Additional Information
The Ontario Museum of History & Art preserves, interprets, and celebrates the history and cultural heritage of Ontario and the surrounding area. From developing exhibitions, to engaging visitors through educational experiences, and events that inspire creative action, the Museum is an anchor to the growing downtown arts district. The Museum recently achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the highest national recognition afforded the nation’s museums. The Museum is uniquely housed in Ontario’s former City Hall, a historical landmark funded by the Works Progress Administration. 

About the Ontario Museum of History & Art

The Ontario Museum of History & Art is located at 225 S. Euclid Avenue, Ontario, California 91762. Gallery hours are Thursday and Friday, Noon to 4 PM, and Saturday and Sunday, 11 AM to 5 PM. Admission is free. The Ontario Museum of History & Art is a facility of the City of Ontario’s Department of Museum, Arts & Culture. For more information call (909) 395-2510, email MuseumInfo@ontarioCA.gov, visit OntarioMuseum.org or follow @ontariomuseum_artsculture on Instagram.

About the City of Ontario

The City of Ontario is enhancing the quality-of-life by creating urban lifestyle districts that create sustainable places to live, work and play.  Located just east of Los Angeles and Orange counties, the City of Ontario is ideally situated as a gateway to Southern California. With major freeways, rail transportation and an International Airport, Ontario invites the rest of the world to be a part of a culturally diverse community with rich history that is well positioned for quality development and economic sustainability for its residents. Complementing its business and residential core, Ontario offers premium entertainment venues such as the Ontario Convention Center, Toyota Arena, and Ontario Mills. To learn more about the City of Ontario, visit OntarioCA.gov  or call (909) 395-2000.