Moreno Valley is preparing to celebrate one of Mexico's most meaningful cultural traditions with an evening dedicated to remembrance, family and community.
The city's 2026 Día de los Muertos celebration is scheduled for Friday, October 30, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Moreno Valley Civic Amphitheater. The event will feature opportunities to honor departed loved ones, cultural activities, vendor booths and a Catrina and Catrín contest.
Día de los Muertos, commonly observed around November 1 and 2, is rooted in Mexican traditions of honoring deceased family members and friends. Its imagery includes colorful flowers, decorated altars, photographs, candles and artistic representations of skeletons.
Rather than focusing solely on grief, the observance emphasizes memory, connection and the continuing importance of loved ones in family life.
For Moreno Valley residents, the October 30 gathering offers an opportunity to experience these traditions in a public setting.
The city is inviting participants to apply to display memorial altars, an important part of many Día de los Muertos celebrations. Often called ofrendas, these displays may include photographs, flowers and meaningful objects associated with people being remembered.
The process of creating an altar can itself become a family tradition. Parents and grandparents share stories about relatives, children learn about their heritage, and memories are preserved through objects and photographs.
Moreno Valley's celebration also includes opportunities for local vendors and artisans. Informational, retail and craft booths can introduce visitors to community organizations, creative products and cultural traditions.
A children's market is also listed among the event attractions, adding another family-oriented element to the evening.
The Catrina and Catrín contest provides a particularly recognizable feature. Inspired by elegant skeleton imagery associated with Mexican art and culture, these costumes combine creativity, fashion and historical symbolism.
The event has significance beyond entertainment.
Moreno Valley is home to families with a wide range of cultural backgrounds. Public celebrations provide opportunities for residents to share traditions while introducing neighbors to customs they may not have experienced before.
Such events can also help younger generations maintain connections to family history. Cultural knowledge is often passed down through stories, music, food and shared celebrations, making community gatherings valuable opportunities for learning.
The city has made participation information available for vendors, altar displays and the costume contest. Organizers have also warned applicants to be cautious of fraudulent vendor registration offers and to use official city channels.
Residents interested in participating or obtaining additional details can contact Specialevents@Moval.org.
As Moreno Valley continues growing, celebrations like Día de los Muertos offer an opportunity to preserve cultural traditions while strengthening connections among neighbors.
The October 30 event will bring families together for an evening of color, remembrance and community spirit, demonstrating that honoring the past can also help build a more connected future.
Event details: Friday, October 30, 2026, 6–10 p.m., Moreno Valley Civic Amphitheater.