Artisan Lucia Chavez stand amid a huge pair of monarch butterfly wings that she made as a photo prop for the 2025 Dia de Los Muertos celebration in Gridley. The Monarch butterfly plays a unique role in the Dia de Los Muertos celebrations - they are believed to carry the spirits of the dead. Chavez is currently working on a massive installation art piece featuring a heart with wings for the 2026 event. Photo courtesy of Lucia Chavez

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - The sixth annual Día de los Muertos celebration will bring the community together Nov. 1 beginning at 3 p.m. in Daddow Park in Gridley for an evening honoring loved ones who have passed away, celebrating cultural traditions and preserving heritage for future generations.

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican cultural tradition honoring deceased family members and loved ones. Through vibrant colors, flowers, foods, music and meaningful keepsakes, families celebrate the lives and memories of those who have passed.

Lucia Chavez with NVCSS said what started as a small project organized by Angel Calderon in 2020 with limited funding and resources has developed into a beloved community celebration featuring colorful Mexican art, music and dance.

Chavez is one of the talented artisans who build the increasing number of decorative displays positioned around the park and is an active leader of the folkloric dance group “Las Hijas de Maria.”

Chavez said the community can expect an even brighter display than ever, sharing that the evening of remembrance will be filled with song and dance performances, spectacular costumes and vibrant lights.

Lucia Chavez, member of the planning committee for the Gridley Dia de Los Muertos and NVCSS, stands next to a handmade "sugar skull" dressed in full Catrina costume. Photo courtesy of Lucia Chavez

This year’s theme, “Where Memories, Dreams, and Love Find Their Wings,” centers on a large heart design, reflecting the enduring connections between loved ones.

The motif will be visible throughout the event, with a large art installation currently being made by Chavez.

Previous celebrations have featured themes such as the monarch butterfly, a central part of Día de los Muertos, which is believed to represent the souls of the dead returning home.

Organizers emphasized the importance of sharing these traditions with younger generations, helping them maintain a connection to their Hispanic roots and understand the cultural significance behind the celebration.

A central feature will be a community ofrenda, or offering altar.

Attendees are encouraged to bring photographs and meaningful items honoring their deceased loved ones. While families often create personal ofrendas in their homes, this event provides a shared space for public remembrance.

Beyond the music, dancing and costumes, the celebration offers an opportunity for community members to connect through shared memories and traditions, providing a welcoming space to honor those who have passed.