The city of Riverside, California, is getting ready to transform its historic downtown into a colorful celebration of remembrance and life for Riverside Dia de los Muertos 2025. One of Southern California’s most anticipated cultural festivals, this beloved event honors the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos — or Day of the Dead — a time to remember and celebrate loved ones who have passed.
The celebration is set for Saturday, November 2, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., filling the streets around Mission Inn Avenue and Market Street with music, art, food, and tradition.
Organized by the Riverside Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department in partnership with the Riverside Arts Council, this annual gathering has become a cherished part of the city’s cultural identity. Each year, it attracts tens of thousands of visitors from across California and beyond, creating an atmosphere filled with community spirit, creativity, and heartfelt remembrance.
A Celebration of Heritage and Connection
At its core, Riverside Dia de los Muertos 2025 is a fusion of art, faith, and family. The event beautifully bridges generations, offering a space where families can remember their ancestors while celebrating the present.
Since its debut in 2004, the Riverside Día de los Muertos festival has evolved from a small community gathering into one of California’s largest Day of the Dead celebrations. In recent years, the event has drawn over 75,000 visitors, turning downtown Riverside into a living, breathing canvas of color and emotion.
This year’s theme, “Celebrating Our Roots,” highlights the importance of honoring both cultural ancestry and the modern diversity of Riverside. Organizers say the 2025 celebration will feature expanded art installations, live performances, and more community-built altars than ever before.
“This event connects generations in a way few others can,” shared a festival organizer. “It’s about honoring the past while celebrating the joy of the present. Every candle lit, every marigold placed — it all carries meaning.”
Ofrendas: The Heart of the Celebration
The emotional centerpiece of Riverside Dia de los Muertos 2025 will once again be the ofrendas, or altars — intricate displays built to honor the memory of departed loved ones.
Throughout downtown, families, artists, and local organizations will set up more than 50 altars, each uniquely designed with photos, candles, flowers, sugar skulls, and personal mementos. These ofrendas blend centuries-old traditions with modern creativity, making them both spiritual and artistic landmarks within the festival.
This year introduces a new feature — the Community Unity Altar, a massive collaborative display where anyone attending can place a photo, candle, or note in remembrance. This shared space is designed to reflect the unity and collective memory of the Riverside community.
Educational volunteers from the Riverside Art Museum and local schools will also be on-site, explaining the symbolism behind traditional Day of the Dead elements — from marigolds (cempasúchil) symbolizing the fragility of life to papel picado banners representing the thin veil between worlds.
The Parade and Opening Ceremony
The festival will begin with a blessing and opening procession at 1:00 p.m., starting at Mission Inn Avenue. Dancers, musicians, and families dressed in traditional attire will parade through the streets, carrying marigolds and candles to welcome the spirits of their loved ones.
The opening ceremony will include:
- A traditional Aztec dance performance honoring ancestral spirits.
- A blessing ceremony led by local cultural leaders.
- Live music from Mariachi Juvenil de Riverside setting the tone for the celebration.
Spectators are encouraged to join the procession, bringing photos or flowers to participate in the communal tribute.
Performances and Live Entertainment
Throughout the day, three performance stages will showcase a mix of traditional and modern entertainment. Expect a lively blend of mariachi bands, folklórico dancers, and Latin music groups.
The confirmed Riverside Dia de los Muertos 2025 entertainment lineup includes:
- Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles – The nation’s first all-female mariachi group, performing at 3:00 p.m.
- Ballet Folklórico de Riverside – A colorful display of traditional dance from Mexico’s many regions.
- Grupo Fusion Latina – Mixing salsa, cumbia, and contemporary rhythms for a dance-filled evening.
- DJ Tony V – Closing out the night with Latin pop and dance hits beginning at 8:00 p.m.
Each performance captures the energy and beauty of Mexican culture, ensuring the celebration remains lively from afternoon until the closing ceremony.
The Iconic Catrina Contest
One of the most photographed and anticipated moments of the event is the Catrina Contest, held at 6:00 p.m. on the main stage.
Inspired by artist José Guadalupe Posada’s famous skeletal figure La Calavera Catrina, this contest honors the elegance and humor that define Día de los Muertos. Participants, both adults and children, arrive dressed in elaborate costumes with painted skull faces, flower crowns, and creative accessories.
Contest categories for 2025 include:
- Best Traditional Catrina
- Most Creative Interpretation
- Youth Catrina (Under 12)
- Group or Family Catrina Ensemble
Registration opens October 15, 2025, through the official City of Riverside event page, with prizes for each category winner.
This vibrant display of artistry and imagination celebrates both individuality and the timeless beauty of the Day of the Dead spirit.
Food, Art, and Local Vendors
Beyond music and dance, Riverside Dia de los Muertos 2025 is also a feast for the senses. Over 100 food and artisan vendors will line the streets of downtown, serving authentic Mexican cuisine and selling handmade crafts.
Visitors can savor:
- Freshly made tamales, tacos, and elote (grilled corn).
- Pan de muerto, the sweet bread baked especially for Día de los Muertos.
- Atole and champurrado, traditional warm drinks perfect for the cool November evening.
Local artisans will offer hand-painted skulls, jewelry, candles, textiles, and pottery, turning the streets into a vibrant open-air marketplace. The event also features the Calavera Art Walk, where local artists showcase Day of the Dead–inspired murals, sculptures, and digital art installations.
Family-Friendly Fun and Educational Activities
This is a festival designed for all ages. The Children’s Calavera Zone, located near City Hall, will feature hands-on workshops where kids can:
- Decorate sugar skulls
- Make paper marigolds
- Learn face-painting techniques
- Participate in storytelling sessions about Day of the Dead traditions
The Riverside Art Museum will host free entry throughout the day, featuring an exhibit titled “Echoes of Memory” — a showcase of works by local Latino artists exploring themes of ancestry, identity, and heritage.
Safety, Accessibility, and Transportation
Organizers emphasize that Riverside Dia de los Muertos 2025 is an inclusive, family-safe event. Enhanced safety measures and extended city services ensure everyone can enjoy the day comfortably.
- Admission: Free and open to the public.
- Parking: Available at City Hall Garage, Mission Square Parking Structure, and Riverside Community College (with free shuttle service).
- Public Transit: The Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) will operate extended service routes.
- Accessibility: ADA-compliant pathways, accessible restrooms, and reserved seating near stages will be available.
Pets are welcome but must remain on leashes, and visitors are encouraged to bring reusable bottles and dress for cool evening weather.
Why Día de los Muertos Matters
Día de los Muertos has deep roots in Mexican and Indigenous culture, blending pre-Hispanic rituals with Catholic beliefs. Celebrated annually on November 1 and 2, it is a joyful occasion focused on remembering loved ones with offerings, music, and shared meals.
Unlike mourning-based observances, Día de los Muertos celebrates the continuity of life — the belief that those who came before us continue to live through memory and love.
Riverside’s festival beautifully embodies that message. It’s not just a cultural event but a reflection of how traditions evolve while remaining deeply connected to community and identity.
Economic and Cultural Impact on Riverside
Beyond its cultural value, Riverside Dia de los Muertos also provides a significant boost to the local economy. Restaurants, hotels, and small businesses benefit from the influx of visitors each year.
The festival’s inclusive approach has also helped establish Riverside as a hub for arts and cultural tourism in Southern California. City officials estimate that the event generates over $2 million in local revenue annually.
By supporting artists, vendors, and performers, the event reinforces Riverside’s commitment to both cultural preservation and creative innovation.
The Evening Finale: Fireworks and Farewell
As the evening winds down, the celebration culminates with a fireworks display and closing ceremony near Riverside City Hall at 9:45 p.m. The final moments are filled with music, applause, and a collective sense of gratitude — a fitting end to a day that honors life in all its forms.
The night sky glows with bursts of color, while marigold petals flutter in the breeze — a reminder that even as time passes, love and memory endure.
Final Thoughts
Riverside Dia de los Muertos 2025 is more than just a festival; it’s a tribute to the past, a celebration of culture, and a joyful expression of community. Every dance step, song, and candle reflects the spirit of connection that defines Riverside’s identity.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning as part of a yearly tradition, this year’s event promises to be one of the most meaningful celebrations yet.
Will you be joining the festivities this year? Share your favorite Dia de los Muertos memories in the comments below and tell us what part of the celebration you’re most excited to experience!