Dia de los Muertos celebrations honor beloved ancestors in San Juan Bautista

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For two days earlier this month, the City of San Juan Bautista hosted its second annual Día de Los Muertos celebration on Nov. 1, followed by El Teatro Campesino’s traditional Día de Los Muertos parade on Nov. 2. 

The city’s event was held in the plaza in front of Mission San Juan Bautista and featured music, a mariachi band, folklórico dancers, face painting, activities, games and food trucks. 

City Manager Ashley Collick said the event celebrated the lives of people who have passed and remembered those who came before us.

“That’s what the day is all about,” Collick said. “I think this is just a fantastic opportunity for us to show how our community comes together and works together to help our economy, but to also celebrate our history.” 

She said it was exciting to see everyone coming out, enjoying the evening and being part of the festival at the mission.

“My favorite part about the celebration is watching the youth performers,” Collick said. “But visiting the cemetery and paying my respects to those who have gone before us is also something that I think is hugely important.” 

She said it took a few months to come together with help from sponsors and many donations from local partners.    

San Juan Bautista City Council member Jose Aranda said he enjoyed the performers, the vibrant colors, and watching the dancers as they shared the moment with their loved ones.

“I love seeing all the people out here,” Aranda said, “Everyone is in one place in good old little San Juan Bautista. It feels lively tonight, and I’m really happy to see it all coming together.”

Aranda said he also enjoyed seeing all the food trucks and the people buying things, as well as all the performances and families who are actively engaging with and celebrating the beautiful Mexican culture

Ariday Mendo honors her father who passed away.

Photo by Adam Bell.

Traditional Día de los Muertos altare honors Abuelito Julioloh.

Photo by Adam Bell.

Dominick Alicea.

Photo by Adam Bell.

Día de los Muertos dance.

Photo by Adam Bell.

El Teatro Campesino’s annual celebration was held the following night, starting at the Teatro Playhouse with children’s activities, food trucks and entertainment, and ending with a procession through downtown San Juan Bautista.

Michael Jasso recited poems as part of the evening’s performances. He said he begins with a draft and lets it grow and develop into a fully realized spoken word performance.

“One poem I did was the most polished piece out of my set,” Jasso said. “It took about six months to get it to where I was happy with it.”

He said he likes that Día de los Muertos represents the local community and its Mexican heritage. 

“This culture ties into the home that I grew up in,” Jasso said, “so I very much wanted to showcase those parts of my upbringing and who I am.” 

Prunedale resident Loyanna Flynn said she came with her husband, Javet Guaracha, and said she has seen many friends who also came for the procession.

Castroville resident Mirna Araos said she had never attended El Teatro Campesino’s annual event before and was excited to come. She said she loved listening to Jasso, who she said was very passionate, and that the poems he read were amazing. 

“I was invited by one of our friends,” Araos said. “We said, ‘Yes, I want to come.’ I like being around people, and the atmosphere is pretty cool.”

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