Celebrate Día de los Muertos with San Mateo County Libraries

Celebrate Día De Los Muertos with San Mateo County Libraries this year! Día de Los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead originated as a Mexican holiday for remembering and celebrating deceased loved ones.

The holiday officially starts on Friday, November 1, and ends on Saturday, November 2, but we'll have exciting events at our libraries throughout October and November. Please note, some events require registration. 

Paper Marigolds

Make beautiful paper marigolds to decorate your altar for Día de los Muertos! 

Day of the Dead at Friendship Park 

Join San Mateo County Libraries and San Mateo County Parks for a Día de los Muertos celebration filled with vibrant culture and family-friendly activities.

Day of the Dead Ofrendas - Mini Altar Workshops 
Participants will create a miniature ofrenda, or altar, for Day of the Dead with step-by-step instruction by Bay Area artist Elizabeth Jiménez Montelongo. Elizabeth will show participants how to make fruit, bread, flowers, candles, skulls and paper banners to decorate the ofrenda. All materials are provided, but it's recommended that participants bring three empty cereal boxes or pasta boxes (per person or per family). Sign up to make your ofrenda today!

Sugar Skull Decorating
Join us in celebrating Día de Muertos by decorating your own sugar skull! These vibrant calaveras are perfect for adding a personal touch to your ofrenda and honoring your loved ones. Be sure to register in advance.

Colibri & Cactus: A Colorful Día de los Muertos Paint Party
Join us for a fun and colorful Día de los Muertos paint night! We’ll be creating beautiful paintings of hummingbirds, known as colibrí in Spanish, and cacti, celebrating the idea that the colibrí is a messenger between the living and the dead. Come ready to enjoy an evening filled with color and a whole lot of heart as we honor those we've lost and celebrate life together. Sign up early to reserve your spot.

Celebrate With Our Community Libraries 

Join us for vibrant and fun-filled Día de los Muertos celebrations at our community libraries. We hope to see you at one of these special events!