Catrina contestants gather for a group photo following judging in two age groups: juveniles and adults. Photo by Seti Long

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Music, art and color flooded Gridley's Daddow Park on Nov. 1 at the sixth annual Día de los Muertos celebration as the community gathered to honor lost loved ones.

For five hours, beginning at 3 p.m., the park filled with families placing photos at the community ofrenda, an area designed to display pictures and offerings of food, drinks or gifts to deceased family members.

Since its beginnings in 2020, the Día de los Muertos celebration has grown each year, with each event following a specific theme, adding to its festive atmosphere.

Lucia Chavez stands in front of the emblem depicting the 2026 Día de los Muertos celebration's theme, "Where memories, dreams and love find their wings." Photo by Seti Long

"Where memories, dreams and love find their wings" was this year's theme, said Lucia Chavez of the Las Catrinas Organizing Committee, who also creates detailed art for the events.

Chavez made a large, winged heart sculpture featuring a traditional blue and white Mexican design for the 2026 event. The monarch butterfly and decorated sugar skull displays also returned, along with two ofrendas displaying photos of community members' loved ones.

Anyone was welcome to bring a photo of a loved one who had died and have it acknowledged on the public display.

"One of the greatest highlights of the evening was bringing so many families from our community together. Despite the many challenges families are facing today, it was beautiful to see so many people gathered sharing smiles, enjoying our traditions and creating special memories together," Chavez said.

A singer performs onstage following a series of dance performances during Gridley's Día de los Muertos celebration. Photo by Seti Long

Performances centered around music and dance remained at the core of the event, with special performances by the Las Hijas de Maria dancers and other groups and individuals.

"Through music and dance, we celebrate their life, keep their memories alive, and express the love that remains in our hearts even after they are gone," Chavez said.

After an array of colorful dances featuring smoke and lit, glowing, swirling skirts, the evening came to an end.

The Catrinas costume contestants were then given the spotlight, following Chavez, adorned in blue and white, in a candlelit walk or Catrina parade around the park to signal the end of the evening.

A close-up of the community ofrenda at Gridley's Día de los Muertos celebration shows photos of deceased community members surrounded by traditional offerings of food, flowers and marigolds. Photo by Seti Long

Already looking toward next year's event, Chavez said she knows this year was important for the community.

"I believe this year was especially meaningful for our community. We demonstrated that when we work together, we can create spaces where art, culture and traditions are not only preserved but also grow, bring people together, and open doors of opportunity for future generations."

Chavez shared some inspirational words, referring to this year's theme.

"Let us continue building bridges between cultures, uniting hearts and teaching future generations that our roots do not limit us, they give us the strength to fly."

A young man shares an emotional moment during a performance overseen by Lucia Chavez, dressed as a Catrina. Photo courtesy of Lucia Chavez