The Port of Oakland reported that Jack London Square will host the Halloween Día de los Muertos Family Fun Fest on Sunday. This event, which promises to blend traditional Halloween antics with the reverence of Día de los Muertos, will be completely free.
From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., the waterfront plaza will be bustling with activities for all age groups. To set the mood, the event will feature chalk artists, folklórico dancers, and a mariachi band. Donning their Halloween costumes, the little ones can participate in a contest or dive into various craft-making escapades.
According to the Port of Oakland, Jonathan Veach, Chief Real Estate Officer, stated, "As fall gets into full swing, we want to offer the community opportunities to celebrate the season while highlighting all that Jack London Square has to offer." He further emphasized the event's intent to honor Oakland's richly diverse community against the scenic background of the city's waterfront.
The cultural mash-up aligns with the roots of both observances, with Halloween tracing back to ancient Celtic traditions marking the end of summer and the start of winter. At the same time, Día de los Muertos is a deeply held Mexican tradition that honors the deceased with remembrance and festivity. Nestled amongst the vibrant businesses of Jack London Square, festivalgoers can experience more than just seasonal joy; they're offered a chance to indulge in the area's recreational, retail, and dining venues wrapped in a historic waterfront setting.
