Mission District hosts 34th annual Day of the Dead Festival of Altars

The Mission District in San Francisco held its 34th annual Festival of Altars at Potrero del Sol Park, marking a long-standing tradition of Dia de los Muertos celebrations, Mission Local reported.

The event featured dozens of intricately decorated altars adorned with candles, sugar skulls, and photos honoring loved ones who have passed away, with this year's theme focusing on family, titled 'Familia: Entre raíces y el Cielo – Family: Between roots and Heaven.'

Organizers from The Marigold Project, a foundation supporting cultural education, facilitated altar-building workshops and interactive stations for attendees to engage with the altars as a form of remembrance.

Throughout the evening, live music performances including mariachi bands and traditional ceremonies were held, enhancing the cultural experience for participants.

The festival also expanded to include the Mercado de Muertos, a local artisan market surrounding the park, offering visitors an opportunity to explore crafts and goods tied to the celebration.

Dia de los Muertos in the Mission District has historical roots dating back to the 1980s, evolving as a community response to mourning losses from gang violence, AIDS, and Central American conflicts, blending Catholic and indigenous traditions as noted by Mission Local.