Scenes From San Francisco's 35th Annual Día De Los Muertos

Scenes From San Francisco's 35th Annual Día De Los Muertos

Photos: Beth Thomas/Hoodline

Beth Thomas
Published on November 03, 2017

Día De Los Muertos is one of the city's most colorful and vibrant community events.

Held for more than 30 years in the Mission, an estimated 15,000 celebrants don face paint, veils, black lace sombreros and floral headbands as they observe the Mesoamerican holiday that honors the spirits of the departed.

Each year, nonprofit Marigold Project organizes the annual Festival of Altars in Garfield Square, where attendees march in a procession carrying flowers, candles, and ofrendas—altars that memorialize someone who's passed away.

Photos, candles, skulls, decorations, trinkets, alcohol, music, and other attractions are used to ensure the departed souls’ recognition and arrival.

It is believed that the spirits of the dead visit the living during the celebration. Marigolds guide the spirits to their altars using their vibrant colors and scent and also represent the fragility of life.