Photos: Mishaa DeGraw & Steve Ziman / ProBonoPhoto.org (CC BY-NC 4.0)
San Rafael Celebrates 37 Years of Día de los Muertos Tradition
Kristie Hubacker – Recreation Supervisor
From the first light of morning, families and community organizations gathered at the Albert J. Boro Community Center and Pickleweed Park to begin building their altars. Each altar reflected the deep roots of tradition within the Canal community, adorned with marigolds, candles, papel picado, photos, and meaningful mementos that filled the gym with color, love, and remembrance across 25 altars.
By afternoon, the space had transformed into a lively cultural celebration — a welcoming place for families, neighbors, and visitors to enjoy authentic food from local vendors, admire the artistry of the altars, and participate in hands-on crafts and art activities hosted by community partners. Children painted sugar skulls and made paper kites, while community tables offered creative projects celebrating the themes of life and memory. The aromas of tamales, papusas, and fresh pan de muerto filled the air, mingling with the joyful sounds of conversation and music.
Throughout the day, the celebration was brought to life by traditional entertainment, including the mesmerizing Aztec Dancers, whose rhythmic drums echoed across the plaza, connecting the modern-day festival to ancient cultural traditions. Live folklórico dancers and musicians added movement, color, and song — celebrating Latin American heritage and community pride.
As evening descended, the energy reached its peak with the annual Día de los Muertos procession, a moving and joyous highlight of the event. Aztec drums led the way as the large catrina and catrin — elegantly dressed skeletal figures — were pulled along the neighborhood streets, accompanied by dancers, glowing candles, and fluttering butterfly decorations symbolizing returning spirits. The community came alive as residents watched from windows and balconies, waving and smiling, before stepping outside to join the procession. Together, families filled the streets with light, color, and movement — transforming remembrance into a collective celebration of life.
The event was a powerful expression of unity, organized through collaboration between the City of San Rafael, the Multicultural Center of Marin, the Canal community, and countless dedicated volunteers and local organizations. From morning altar building to the final notes of music in the evening air, San Rafael’s 37th Annual 2025 Día de los Muertos Celebration stood as a vibrant reflection of culture, creativity, and community connection — honoring the past while celebrating the living spirit of San Rafael.
To learn more about San Rafael’s Día de los Muertos celebration, please visit DayoftheDeadSR.org
View more event photos courtesy of Mishaa DeGraw & Steve Ziman / ProBonoPhoto.org at ProBonoPhoto.org