The city of Riverside, California, is preparing to once again transform its historic downtown into a vibrant cultural celebration for Riverside Dia de los Muertos 2025. This beloved annual event, honoring the Mexican holiday known as Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, will take place on Saturday, November 2, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Hosted by the Riverside Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department in partnership with the Riverside Arts Council, this year’s celebration promises an unforgettable day filled with music, art, food, and heartfelt tributes to loved ones who have passed away
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A Riverside Tradition Rooted in Culture and Community
Since its inception in 2004, the Riverside Día de los Muertos festival has grown into one of Southern California’s largest Day of the Dead celebrations, attracting more than 75,000 visitors each year. The event highlights the region’s rich Mexican heritage while embracing the universal message of remembrance and love.
The streets surrounding Mission Inn Avenue and Market Street will be lined with colorfully decorated altars (ofrendas), each lovingly crafted by families, community groups, and local artists. These altars, adorned with marigolds, candles, photos, and mementos, serve as tributes to departed loved ones, blending ancient tradition with contemporary creativity.
“This event connects generations,” said a city representative during a recent event preview. “It’s a celebration of life, not death—one where the entire community comes together to honor the beauty of remembrance.”
Event Details: Riverside Dia de los Muertos 2025 Schedule
Visitors can expect a full day of live performances, art installations, and traditional offerings spread across multiple city blocks in downtown Riverside.
Here’s an overview of what’s planned for Riverside Dia de los Muertos 2025:
| Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Blessing & Procession | 1:00 p.m. | Mission Inn Avenue Main Stage |
| Mariachi Performance | 2:00 p.m. | Center Stage |
| Folklórico Dance Show | 3:30 p.m. | Market Street Plaza |
| Community Altar Viewing | 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Throughout Downtown |
| Live Bands & Cultural Music | 5:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Main Stage |
| Catrina Contest | 6:00 p.m. | Mission Inn Avenue |
| Fireworks & Closing Ceremony | 9:45 p.m. | Riverside City Hall Lawn |
Food vendors and artisan booths will be open all day, offering everything from traditional tamales and pan de muerto (sweet bread for the occasion) to handcrafted jewelry, paintings, and sugar skull art.
The Ofrendas: The Heart of the Celebration
The ofrendas — or altars — are the soul of Día de los Muertos. Each one tells a story, honoring the memories of loved ones through art and symbolism. Visitors can stroll through dozens of beautifully arranged displays, where candles flicker beside sugar skulls, portraits, and papel picado (cut paper banners).
In 2025, organizers are introducing a new “Community Unity Altar”, inviting residents to bring photos and written tributes to contribute to a shared memorial. This interactive installation reflects Riverside’s dedication to inclusivity and collective remembrance.
Volunteers from local schools and cultural organizations will also guide educational tours for those interested in learning about the meanings behind each altar’s traditional elements — from cempasúchil flowers (marigolds) representing the fragility of life, to incense symbolizing the path between worlds.
Entertainment Lineup: Music, Dance, and Art
The Riverside Dia de los Muertos 2025 festival will feature an exciting mix of traditional and contemporary entertainment.
Live performances include:
- Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles – The first all-female mariachi band in the U.S.
- Ballet Folklórico de Riverside – Performing regional dances from Jalisco, Veracruz, and Michoacán.
- Grupo Fusion Latina – Mixing modern rhythms with classic Latin sounds.
- DJ Tony V – Curating a nighttime set featuring Latin pop, cumbia, and dance hits.
Art lovers can explore the “Calavera Art Walk”, a collection of Day of the Dead–inspired pieces displayed throughout the downtown arts corridor. The installations include painted skulls, large-scale murals, and student artwork from the Riverside Unified School District.
The Iconic Catrina Contest Returns
One of the festival’s most anticipated moments is the Catrina Contest, where participants dress as La Calavera Catrina, the elegant skeletal figure that has become the symbol of Día de los Muertos.
Contestants arrive in elaborate costumes, complete with face paint, flower crowns, and detailed gowns that blend fashion with cultural homage. The contest celebrates creativity, individuality, and cultural pride.
Registration for the 2025 Catrina Contest opens online on October 15, 2025, through the City of Riverside’s official event website. Prizes will be awarded for categories such as Best Traditional Attire, Most Creative Design, and Youth Catrina (under 12 years old).
Family-Friendly Activities and Cultural Workshops
In keeping with its community roots, the 2025 event will also feature family-friendly activities throughout the day.
Families can visit the Children’s Calavera Zone, offering:
- Sugar skull decorating workshops
- Face painting stations
- Paper marigold crafts
- Storytime sessions about Día de los Muertos traditions
The Riverside Art Museum will host an interactive exhibit titled “Celebrating Ancestry,” showcasing the works of local Latino artists exploring themes of identity and remembrance. Admission to the museum will be free during festival hours.
Parking, Transportation, and Accessibility
Organizers encourage visitors to arrive early, as downtown parking fills up quickly. Public transit options, including the Riverside Transit Agency (RTA), will extend service hours during the event.
Free parking will be available at:
- Riverside City Hall Garage
- Mission Square Parking Structure
- Riverside Community College (with shuttle service to downtown)
The event is fully accessible, with designated ADA pathways and seating areas for attendees with disabilities.
Safety and City Guidelines
City officials emphasize that Riverside Dia de los Muertos 2025 is a family event, open to all ages. Security personnel and medical staff will be on-site throughout the day. Attendees are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles and dress in layers for the cool evening temperatures typical of early November in Southern California.
The festival is pet-friendly, though animals must remain leashed and out of food vendor areas.
The Meaning Behind Día de los Muertos
Día de los Muertos, which translates to Day of the Dead, is a centuries-old Mexican tradition celebrated on November 1 and 2. It honors deceased loved ones through music, food, and art — emphasizing remembrance over mourning.
In Riverside, this cultural heritage has become a cornerstone of the city’s fall calendar, reflecting the community’s deep Hispanic roots and inclusive spirit. The festival not only preserves ancient traditions but also invites people from all backgrounds to participate and learn.
Local Business and Vendor Highlights
More than 100 local vendors will participate in the 2025 festival, selling authentic Mexican cuisine, handmade crafts, and Día de los Muertos merchandise. Highlights include:
- Tacos El Unico – Serving carne asada tacos and birria.
- Panaderia La Estrella – Featuring traditional pan de muerto.
- Arte Viva Studio – Offering custom-painted skulls and artisan jewelry.
Local businesses surrounding the festival area are also joining in, with themed menus, window decorations, and late-night dining options for visitors.
Final Thoughts
Riverside Dia de los Muertos 2025 stands as a beautiful reminder of how culture, memory, and art unite communities. Each year, the event grows in size and spirit — but its purpose remains the same: to honor life by celebrating those who came before us.
Will you be attending this year’s Riverside Dia de los Muertos? Share your thoughts in the comments below and tell us what part of the celebration you’re most excited to experience!
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Riverside Dia de los Muertos 2025: Celebrate life, culture, and remembrance at California’s largest Day of the Dead festival in downtown Riverside.
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Riverside Dia de los Muertos 2025, Day of the Dead, Riverside events, California festivals, cultural celebrations, downtown Riverside, Catrina contest, ofrendas, Riverside Arts Council, Mexican heritage,
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