UPCOMING EVENTS
Dia de Los Muertos 2025
Illustration by Roberto Sanchez ©2025
Illustration by Roberto Sanchez ©2025
October 25th, 2025
Tapco Credit Union
2802 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98406
Día de los Muertos is an important cultural celebration in Latin America, with a particularly strong history in Mexico. It is also a meaningful custom for many Spanish-speaking people living in the United States. Día de los Muertos is a time of commemoration - an opportunity for individuals to come together to focus on their loved ones who have passed away, and to honor, revere, and celebrate their memory. Far from the somber tones of many Western European or North American funeral services, Día de los Muertos is a time of celebration. It is believed that on these two nights of the year, the spirits of the deceased may return and visit with the living. Many of the practices associated with the holiday are meant to guide the deceased back to the homes of the living and, once there, help them remember the sensations and experiences they had while they lived. For a brief time, the living and the dead are reunited - a suitable cause for celebration.
The holiday takes place on November 1 and 2, coinciding with the Roman Catholic practices of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, respectively. In Spanish, All Saints’ Day is known as the Día de Todos los Santos and All Souls’ Day as the Día de las Animas. Together, the two dates are conceptualized as the Día de los Difuntos or, more commonly, as the Día de los Muertos. For those who celebrate Día de los Muertos, the first day is reserved for recognizing young children who have passed away while the second day is meant to honor all others.
The practices associated with Día de los Muertos are complex and rooted in the intertwined histories of the ancient and modern indigenous peoples of the Americas, the conquering practices of the Spanish explorers, and the more current, contemporary iterations of modern communities. In short, it is a fusing together of cultural practices and religions. Understanding its historical background can lend to a deeper appreciation.
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in Tacoma, WA
Join the 6th Ave Celebration at TAPCO Credit Union in Tacoma, WA, sponsored by Zeta-Maya Entertainment
OUR WAGON AND BICYCLE DECORATING CONTEST IS NEW THIS YEAR!
In keeping with the family friendly nature of the Sister Cities - 6th Avenue Día de los Muertos celebration, this year there will be a wagon and bicycle decorating contest. Bicycles, tricycles, scooters and wagons are great transportation for our youngest participants so let’s decorate them Día de los Muertos style. What is Día de los Muertos style? Read about the Colors and Symbols of Día de los Muertos in the article here.
To enter the contest on the day of the event, complete an entry form at the Welcome Booth by 12:00 noon (Plan to arrive early.)
Judging will occur during the Sidewalk Procession, so be sure your number is easily visible.
Winners will be announced from the Main Stage at 3:30 pm.
And YES, there will be prizes!
Skeleton Sidewalk Procession on 6th Avenue - A playful spectacle that honors the Latin tradition of skeleton-
costumed characters led by musicians. Intersections will be temporarily closed for safety from 12pm to 2:30pm.
Artisan Vendor - Artists and chefs can sell their Day of the Dead creations.
Classes - Leading up to the celebration weekly classes will teach people traditional day of the dead crafts.
Mission
Our mission is to produce a free Tacoma Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) event on Sixth Avenue that
maintains and respects the cultural essence of the Día de los Muertos tradition, but also interjects a modern
aesthetic as envisioned by regional artists. Additionally, weekly themed arts and education classes will be held
in September and October, adding community participation building to the event. A day to remember the dead
and party for the living!
Art of the Community
The Día de los Muertos tradition is founded on a communal celebration of very personal perspectives on life and
death. Through hands-on community events including workshops, interactive art, our Skeleton Processional,
ofrendas and more, Tacoma Día de los Muertos Celebration provides opportunities for Tacoma residents and
visitors to work together to achieve common community goals. The celebration brings together participants of
all skill levels, ethnicities, ages and backgrounds and uses art as a tool to help develop community.
How to Get Involved?
• Attend one of our weekly themed classes centered around Día de los Muertos art and education.
• Host a class or workshop: apply to use your location as a host site.
• Donate to the event: you can donate themed items or gift cards to be distributed at event.
• Sponsor the Celebration: this is a community-driven event, and we could not do any of it without our generous
sponsors. IF you would like to support your community, think about becoming a sponsor today.
Fact Sheet
When: Saturday, October 26, 2024 - 11:00am-6:00pm
Where: TAPCO Credit Union, 2802 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98406
Why: This is the fouth year for this celebration. Last year our Día de los Muertos event brought thousands of
people to the 6th Avenue Business District. It increased awareness of our Spanish speaking Sister Cities and
introduced the community to a life affirming celebration with music, art and food. We will continue to cross-
promote other Día de los Muertos activities throughout Tacoma. The very first Día de los Muertos celebration
was done in 2002 at the 6th Ave Business District.
Before Event: Weekly family art and education classes at Tacoma Framemakers begin in September through October 19th on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. Classes include making flower crowns, butterfly masks, papel picado and other traditional crafts. Please go to the our Classes page to pre-register. Space is limited, so register right away. This program is coordinated by Martha Cabello.
Day of Event: Artisan craft and food vendors. Kids craft area. Sugar Skull face painting. One stage with live Music
throughout entire event. Sidewalk Skeleton Procession at 12:15pm. We will have the La Catrina Collective in the procession. At the parade everyone is invited to walk. There is a contest for best decorated wagon or bike, and a panel of judges will award prizes. After parade free Champurrado and Pan de Muerto with a ceremony honoring our ancestors at 4:30pm. Please bring a lantern to create some moonlight for Flor de Luna to close out our day at 5pm.
Admission: Free admission to event. Artisan craft and food vendors will have items for sale.
Organization: Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is sponsored by Cienfuegos and Boca del Rio Sister Cities, Tacoma Sister Cities, and 6th Ave Business District. Title sponsor is Zeta-Maya Entertainment.
Tacoma Sister Cities’ mission is to promote peace through people through citizen diplomacy, cultural education and economic development. Sixth Avenue Business District serves its members through organized collaborative efforts to promote our sustainable vibrant community footprint.
Tacoma Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
Join the 6th Ave Celebration
Skeleton Sidewalk Procession on 6th Avenue - A playful spectacle that honors the Latin tradition of skeleton-
costumed characters led by musicians. Intersections will be temporarily closed for safety from 2pm to 2:30pm.
Artisan Vendor - Artists and chefs can sell their Day of the Dead creations.
Classes - Leading up to the celebration weekly classes will teach people traditional day of the dead crafts.
Mission
Our mission is to produce a free Tacoma Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) event on Sixth Avenue that
maintains and respects the cultural essence of the Día de los Muertos tradition, but also interjects a modern
aesthetic as envisioned by regional artists. Additionally, weekly themed arts and education classes will be held
in September and October, adding community participation building to the event. A day to remember the dead
and party for the living!
Art of the Community
The Día de los Muertos tradition is founded on a communal celebration of very personal perspectives on life and
death. Through hands-on community events including workshops, interactive art, our Skeleton Processional,
ofrendas and more, Tacoma Día de los Muertos Celebration provides opportunities for Tacoma residents and
visitors to work together to achieve common community goals. The celebration brings together participants of
all skill levels, ethnicities, ages and backgrounds and uses art as a tool to help develop community.
How to Get Involved?
• Attend one of our weekly themed classes centered around Día de los Muertos art and education.
• Host a class or workshop: apply to use your location as a host site.
• Donate to the event: you can donate themed items or gift cards to be distributed at event.
• Sponsor the Celebration: this is a community-driven event, and we could not do any of it without our generous
sponsors. IF you would like to support your community, think about becoming a sponsor today.
Fact Sheet
When: Saturday, October 28, 2023 - 11:00am-6:00pm
Where: TAPCO Credit Union, 2802 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98406
Why: This is the third year for this celebration. Last year our Día de los Muertos event brought thousands of
people to the 6th Avenue Business District. It increased awareness of our Spanish speaking Sister Cities and
introduced the community to a life affirming celebration with music, art and food. We will continue to cross-
promote other Día de los Muertos activities throughout Tacoma. The very first Día de los Muertos celebration
was done in 2002 at the 6th Ave Business District.
Before Event: Weekly family art and education classes starting in September into October with different activities
each week such as sugar skulls, flower crowns and more.
Day of Event: Artisan craft and food vendors. Kids craft area. Sugar Skull face painting. One stage with live Music
throughout entire event. Sidewalk Skeleton Parade at 2:00-2:30pm. At the parade everyone is invited to walk.
After parade free Champurrado and Pan de Muerto with a ceremony honoring our ancestors at 3:00pm.
Admission: Free admission to event. Artisan craft and food vendors will have items for sale.
Organization: Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is sponsored by Cienfuegos and Boca del Rio Sister Cities
and 6th Ave Business District. Tacoma Sister Cities’ mission is to promote peace through people through citizen
diplomacy, cultural education and economic development. Sixth Avenue Business District serves its members
through organized collaborative efforts to promote our sustainable vibrant community footprint.