For 31 years, the Fruitvale Día de los Muertos Festival has brought together artists, families, and community members to honor those who came before us while celebrating the traditions that continue to shape our lives today.
This year’s theme, “La Lucha Continúa: Aquí estamos y no nos vamos,” (The Struggle Continues: We Are Here and We’re Not Leaving) builds upon the affirmation we made to our community last year. Rooted in the histories of civil rights, immigrant justice, and community organizing, it reminds us that the struggle for dignity, belonging, and the right to remain rooted in our communities continues today.
At a time when many families face displacement, uncertainty, and injustice, we draw strength from the generations who came before us. Their resilience inspires us to continue building community, preserving our traditions, and caring for one another.
This year, that spirit will be embodied in the arrival of a 34-foot Monumental Catrina, handcrafted by master artisans in Mexico City. With her outstretched arms offering welcome and embrace, she honors both the journeys many families have taken to El Norte and the sacred return of our ancestors during Día de los Muertos. As we gather to build altars, share stories, and remember those we have lost, we reaffirm that our histories, our cultures, and our communities endure.
¡La Lucha Continúa!
Sunday, November 1st 2026| 10AM to 5 PM
Fruitvale Village, OaklandDia Theme 2026: La Lucha Continúa: Aquí Estamos y no Nos Vamos
The Oakland Día de los Muertos Festival is a free, outdoor festival that brings over 100,000 people to the vibrant, culturally-rich Fruitvale neighborhood to enjoy world-class live music, family-friendly games, rides and activities, traditional Latin American artisans, and the stunning altar artistic installations created by community members paying homage to los Muertos. The Día de los Muertos Festival was inducted into the U.S. Library of Congress by Congresswoman Barbara Lee as a “Local Legacy.”
Become a Sponsor!
Now in its 31st year, The Día de los Muertos Festival in Oakland is a beloved East Bay tradition with a loyal following both online and off. The free festival brings nearly 100,000 of people each year to the vibrant, culturally rich Fruitvale neighborhood to enjoy world-class live music, traditional Latin American artisans, and the stunning altar artistic installations created by community members paying homage to los Muertos.
Do not miss the opportunity to show the Latinx community YOUR brand supports cultura.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor email development@unitycouncil.org.
Press:
- ABC 7 NEWS: Oakland’s Dia de los Muertos celebration lives on virtually to honor memory of loved ones
- KPFA: The 2020 Election and the Black Vote; Plus: Oakland’s 25th Annual Dia de los Muertos Festival goes virtual
- El Tecolote: Fruitvale artist honors the dead, celebrates life of the community
- East Bay Express: Day of the Dead Lives On In Fruitvale
- Fruitvale Dia De Los Muertos festival honors dead, celebrates life by Ali Tadayon, East Bay Times
- PHOTOS: Thousands Celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Oakland by Tiffany Camhi, KQED
- Fruitvale gears up for Dia de los Muertos by Mark Hedin, East Bay Times
- Fruitvale: The Town’s Gem by Azucena Rasilla, East Bay Express
