#MOLAADayOfTheDead

#MOLAADiaDeLosMuertos

Save the date: Dia de los Muertos Festival Sunday October 27, 2024!  

It’s that time again! MOLAA is gearing up for its annual Day of the Dead free family festival set for Sunday October 27! Inspired by the breathtaking return of the Monarch Butterflies to Mexico each year, this year’s theme is Journey of our Ancestors; an homage to the long-held belief by indigenous communities such as the Purépecha, as well as the Mazahua, that the Monarchs represent the returning souls of our ancestors.

MOLAA on-site parking will be $15 per car. Cash or Credit Card accepted at the gate entrance. Limited parking available.

Stage Performances

ALL DAY - DJ Caveman

Jhovanie Zamora Video Director/Editor/Drone Operator. DJ Caveman will have you dancing to Oldies, Funk, Old school, Freestyle, New Wave/Post Punk, House, Hip Hop 90’s, 2000’s and Up, R&B, Rock en español, Cumbias, Merengue, and more! You can find him on Facebook and Instagram as @DJCavemanLA.

11:30- 12:15 PM - Ballet Folklorico Almitas Mexicanas

We are Ballet Folklorico Almitas Mexicanas based in the South Bay region of Southern California. Our group was established in 2023 by Director, Nancy Rangel.

We believe in union, culture and passion. Our mission is to keep our tradition alive and share our rich roots. We perform with great joy, effort and admiration. Ballet Folklorico Almitas Mexicanas has performed at Knott’s Berry Farm and the Crypto.com Arena for special cultural performances and looks forward to performing at MOLAA for their 2024 Dia de Los Muertos Festival!

12:30 - 1:15 PM - Ballet Folklorico Mexica de CSULB

Grupo Folklorico Mexica is a cultural dance group that teaches traditional dances from the various regions of Mexico. Our goal is to reach out and revive the Mexican culture throughout campus and in our communities. No experience is necessary, all you need is passion!

2:00 - 2:30 PM - Catrina/Catrin Contest

Please visit the MOLAA booth in the Viva Events Center between 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM to register. You must sign our image release form and be present in person between 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM for the live judging and announcement. If you are under 18 years old, a parent or guardian must be present to authorize your participation. The children's category is for children 12 years old and under, and the adult category is for children 13 years old and up. 

Grand Prize in the Adult category: $500.00 | Grand Prize in the Children’s category: Scholarship for 2025 MOLAA Bilingual Summer Camp.

3:00 - 3:45 PM - Raíces Peruanas

In 1989, the Espejo sisters Doris and Jeanine, who were then 6 and 4 years old, began to learn and practice the Peruvian dances under the direction of their dance teacher and choreographer Rosagna Sanchez during the first 8 years. Years later, Jeanine continues to learn and perform the native dances with enthusiasm and enjoyment. In 1995, Raices Peruanas grew stronger when Margott Hinostroza, Maria Luisa Alvarado, Julie Shimabuco, Maria Lilet Burmester, Walter Almora, Edwin Delgado, Jose Elorrieta, and Henry Aquije became members, and pioneers of this dance group.

It was through the effort of the Espejo family then, that the group Raíces Peruanas was established in Southern California, leaving audiences at awe for the beauty and professionalism they portray at each of this group’s performances, uniting people and hearts in this multicultural land.

4:00 - 4:45 PM - Ballet Folklorico La Nueva Antequera

Founded on October 2, 1999, by Miriam Lopez and Raul Cortes, born in Oaxaca. The Ballet’s cultural work and artistic merit have inspired over three generations of Oaxaqueños to appreciate their traditions and value the importance of their cultural legacy. This has also motivated them to excel in their personal lives, families, and society. For 23 years, Nueva Antequera has performed in numerous venues in California such as the Lobero Theater of Santa Barbara, The Aztec awards in Century City, The Autry Museum, The Getty Museum, The Bower Museum, The Molaa Museum of Long Beach, The LACMA Museum, The Ford Amphitheater, The Day of the Dead of Hollywood Forever, Pershing Square of LA, The Guelaguetza Festival in the cities of San Diego, Oxnard, Fresno, Las Vegas, Bakerfield, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, Santa Monica, Washington DC, Phoenix AZ, Denver CO, and Los Angeles; as well as multiple workshops and small performances in local schools, colleges and with cultural organizations of the community.

Workshops & Activities

Children’s Sugar Skull Workshop

Sugar Skulls by Kalaveritas y Mas!

Street Science Performers - Edinburgh Science

Street Science takes science to where it matters – to people: in the streets, parks, markets, festivals, museums, and shopping centers with custom-made busking bikes. These tricycles of tricks have become a welcome and familiar sight in all sorts of unexpected places, drawing enthusiastic crowds with hands-on experiments and exciting shows demonstrating concepts fundamental to science, inciting curiosity to discover more. 

Face Painting

Traditional face painting designs for sale from Calaveras Zapotecas group. 

Inspyr Arts

Art workshop - K-12th grade and adult education 

Local Merchants and artisans 

45+ local craftspeople, artisans, and businesses!

Javier Hernandez, Izel Illustrations, La Preciosa Handmade, Pinchi Michi Art, Zulema’s Creative Treats, Bilys Gooeyliciousness, CJ’s Angels, Cinply Essentials, Passenger Buttons, Create and Be Mindful Arts, Las Nopaleras, Mexicons, The Spanglish Kids, Chica Curls, Con Todo Press, Rabbit Print, Reveluna, Arte de Maripistolera, Treasures on Pine, Targetitas con Amor, Patchouli Nomad, Magical Corazon, Mextica, Angie Art,  Vintage Galeria, Encuentros by Bee, Adelitas Revenge, Sol de Cobre, Lucha Libre Nation, Polaris Castillo, Creeping Tennie, One Carlos Artist, La Catrina Folk Art, Arts Council for Long Beach, Port of Long Beach, Casa OC, Mental Health America, Long Beach Opera, Operation JumpStart, Hyundai, LaVela Creations, Hikuri Art, Brisla Shop, and Artemisa Femmes

Gastronomy

SPONSORS

Port of Long Beach, Hyundai Motor America

Community Partners