Press Contact: Dan Bell, Communications and Community Relations Director
Phone Number: (909) 395-2400
Date: September 30, 2024
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 (OMHA) and the City of Ontario Recreation & Community Services Department are coming together to host the annual Día de los Muertos celebrations all throughout the City, beginning October 3 through November 17.
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: Healing & Remembrance Exhibit; October 3 – November 17 at the Ontario Museum of History & Art
The 26th edition of the Museum’s annual Día de los Muertos exhibit focuses on the many forms of healing and the remembrance of loved ones. The exhibit will present a diverse range of media— including paintings, sculptures, mixed media, photography, and altar installations—to showcase a multicultural perspective on life and death.
- First Thursdays: Altar Shadowbox; Thursday, October 3 from 5 PM – 8 PM at the Ontario Museum of History & Art
Create your own mini altar for the opening of the Día de los Muertos exhibition. The public is invited to bring a 2”x 3” photograph of an individual who has passed away and create a mini altar in their honor. The Museum will provide supplies to create offerings to be used in your mini altar.
- Community Altar; Wednesday, October 23 – Sunday, November 3 at the R. Jack Mercer Community Bandstand
Celebrate the life and memory of your loved ones who have passed away by participating in the Community Altar. Bring your offering—a picture, personal note, or other small remembrance item—between October 14-23 to the Armstrong Community Center and add your story to the community altar. The altar will be on display at the R. Jack Mercer Community Bandstand along Euclid Avenue and C Street beginning October 23 – November 3.
- DÍa de los Muertos Gallery Reception; Friday, November 1 from 3 PM – 6 PM at the Ontario Museum of History & Art
Explore the cultural significance of this ancient Mesoamerican tradition through intricate displays and meaningful tributes honoring deceased ancestors and friends created by your local community. Experience hands-on art making activities such as calavera painting or strengthen your art skills by participating in a self-lead still-life drawing class. This year, Ballet Folklorico Mi Lindo Mexico will give a live performance celebrating the beauty of Mexican culture through dance as well as local artist vendors such as Nancy’s House of Dolls.
- Altar Showcase; Friday, November 1 along Euclid Ave
The Altar Showcase is an open-air exhibition that will take place during the City of Ontario’s Día de los Muertos Community Altar and Procession event. Community members can register for their own 10’ x 10’ space along the Euclid Ave. median to decorate. Participation is free, but space is limited.
- Día de los Muertos Procession; Friday, November 1 from 5 PM – 9 PM start at D St. and Euclid Ave. and conclude at the R. Jack Mercer Community Bandstand
Come dressed in your best Día de los Muertos-themed attire to enjoy a mariachi performance, dance performances, crafts, face painting and 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: Healing & Remembrance exhibit visit: www.ontariomuseum.org/currentexhibitions. 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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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. The Ontario Museum of History & Art Associates is a 501©(3) nonprofit organization that supports the Museum’s education programs. For more information call (909) 395-2510, email MuseumInfo@ontarioCA.gov, visit www.OntarioMuseum.org or follow @ontariomuseum_artsculture on Instagram.
About the Recreation & Community Services Department
The City of Ontario's Recreation & Community Services Department provides opportunities for wholesome, year-round public recreational services for every age group. Through a comprehensive array of programs and events, the Department continually strives to meet the City Council's goal to provide enhanced recreational, educational, cultural and healthy activities to the community. The Department operates six community centers, a senior center, and provides programming in over thirty parks, three dog parks, and a municipal golf course. For more information visit www.OntarioCA.gov/Recreation or call (909) 395-2020.
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.