Avenida de Altares

Grammy-winning Los Angeles band Ozomatli will headline the 9th annual Día de los Muertos celebration, Avenida de Altares. On Saturday, November 1, families from across the Bay Area will gather at the Mexican Heritage Plaza for a cherished Mayfair tradition that transforms La Plaza and the surrounding streets into a vibrant tapestry of culture and community pride.

Since its debut in 2017, Avenida de Altares has grown beyond La Plaza, turning Alum Rock Avenue into a glowing river of lights, music, and altars that stretches all the way to the 101 freeway. Guests can explore a curated altar gallery woven through local businesses, join hands-on art activities for all ages, and see faces light up with colorful designs. The evening crescendos with a lively catrina costume contest, high-flying lucha libre matches, an artisanal vendor market, and mystical tarot readings — honoring the holiday’s spirit with unforgettable sights and sounds.

“Avenida de Altares is more than a festival — it’s a moment when our community comes together to honor memory, celebrate culture, and transform the streets of East San José into something truly magical. Every detail, from the altars to the music, is a reflection of the love and resilience that define the community we serve.” Ira Jones, Production Director at La Plaza, shares.

Host or Publisher School of Arts and Culture at MHP