The City of San Clemente will host its 4th Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration on Monday, November 2, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Max Berg Plaza Park, located at 1100 Calle Puente. This free community event invites residents and visitors to commemorate family members, friends, pets, and community members who have passed. The celebration will feature culturally significant activities, performances, and educational experiences that highlight the vibrancy of this longstanding Mexican tradition, according to the City of San Clemente.
A central feature of the event is a community altar and ofrenda, which will be available for residents and visitors to place photographs of loved ones in remembrance. The altar will be accessible at Max Berg Plaza Park starting October 30, 2026, and will remain on display through November 3. For those unable to visit the park before the event, photographs can be submitted to the Recreation Division at [email protected] until October 29, 2026. Recreation staff will ensure all submitted photos are included on the altar. Photographs of beloved animal companions are also welcome. Photos and ofrendas may be retrieved from the San Clemente Community Center beginning November 5, 2026.
This year’s celebration will include various activities such as sugar skull crafts, face painting, and performances by Ballet Folklórico and Danza Azteca. Attendees can also enjoy live music, story time, and a DJ providing music throughout the afternoon. Community booths and vendors will be present, offering traditional food and treats available for purchase from participating food truck vendors. The City welcomes attendees to dress in festive attire to honor this culturally significant tradition.
Providence’s Save the Brain Program will host an on-site booth at the event, offering free multisport-style black bike helmets for youth ages 2 to 17. Providence staff will assist with proper helmet fitting, and helmets will be distributed while supplies last. Youth must be present to receive a fitting.
Artists of all experience levels are invited to participate in the Día de los Muertos Plein Air Quick Draw Art Competition held during the celebration. Pre-registration for the competition is required through the City’s event calendar webpage. Artist check-in is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., with painting taking place from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., followed by judging from 4:00 to 4:30 p.m. Artwork must be created on-site using any clean, non-invasive 2D medium and may not exceed 14" x 11". A live Catrina model will be available for artistic inspiration, though artists may depict any subject of their choosing. The City will provide Easy-Ups, tables, and chairs; however, artists are responsible for bringing their own materials.
The contest will include three categories: Youth (12 & under), Teens (13–17), and Adults (18+). First-, second-, and third-place awards will be issued in each category. A $10 entry fee applies to participate. Winning artwork will be displayed in the San Clemente Aquatics Center display case and may be retrieved beginning November 20.
Artists interested in the art competition, individuals seeking volunteer opportunities, and those interested in becoming retail vendors can find complete event details and registration information on the City’s event calendar webpage. For event inquiries, the Recreation Division can be contacted at (949) 361-8264 or [email protected]. For general program information, community members may also contact Recreation at (949) 429-8797. The City encourages residents to join this vibrant cultural celebration in honoring cultural diversity, collective remembrance, and community spirit.
