Día de los Muertos came early to Jack London Square, with more festivities next weekend
on October 28, 2024
Sugar skulls, costumed toddlers and the aroma of fresh-cooked tamales filled the Port of Oakland waterfront on Sunday, as Jack London Square hosted its annual Halloween and Día de los Muertos festival.
The event kicked off a string of holiday events throughout the city that will continue through the weekend.
The celebration drew a diverse crowd of all ages, including from the nearby farmers market. Professional chalk artists, a mariachi band, and Mexican folklórico dancers provided free entertainment and highlighted some of the traditions typically celebrated around Dia de los Muertos, or “Day of the Dead.” Officially celebrated on Nov. 2, the holiday originated in Mexico as a way to honor ancestors and deceased loved ones.
Grupo Folklorico Los Laureles, a San Jose school teaching the dance style since 2007, performed throughout the afternoon. The dancers featured different costumes and types of dance in each performance, reflecting Mexico’s diverse cultures.
“Every state has its own way of dancing, so there’s different outfits for each state,” said Cassandra Ochoa, a 20-year-old member of the group. “They have their own kind of culture with it.”
Beside the stage, Clifton Gold, a veteran chalk artist, crouched on the sidewalk, shading in the final elements of his design, an eye-catching three-dimensional work of a sugar skull skeleton riding a bicycle.
“3D takes a lot of planning,” Gold said, as guests stopped to take photos of his creation. “But for this event specifically, it’s fun to do 3D, and it’s more interactive for the audience.”
Along with Díia de los Muertos, the spirit of Halloween was alive, with a children’s costume contest and a parade.
Two brothers took first place — one dressed as boba tea, and the other as a takeout container of popcorn chicken. Other notable costumes included a cop with a cruiser to match, a BART train car and a bright blue butterfly.
“As long as I can remember we’ve done Día de Los Muertos and Halloween together, ” said Robert Bernardo, a spokesperson for the Port of Oakland, which oversees Jack London Square.
The area isn’t the only part of town hosting a Día de los Muertos celebration.
On Saturday, the Oakland Ballet Company will perform “Luna Mexicana,” inspired by Día de los Muertos, at Oakland’s Paramount Theater. The show will feature dance, music, and vibrant costumes celebrating the value of family.
On Sunday, the Fruitvale neighborhood’s annual Día de los Muertos Festival will return on International Boulevard, featuring live music, food, ofrendas (or decorative altars), dancers, children’s activities and crafts.
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