This year, Ignacio Fuentes has teamed up with The Unity Council & Asociación de Comerciantes y Profesionales de Oakland (ACPO) to make sure the annual tradition of wonderful--and free- Day of the Dead festivities happens once more. From the announcement:

Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a fabulous one-day celebration of ancestors, deceased loved ones and community. This year’s commemoration of “Celebrating the Spirit of Community” will be a gigantic event loaded with activities and displays for the entire family to enjoy!

The event will take place on Sunday, November 1, 2009 from 10:00 am-5:00 pm. It will span along International Boulevard between Fruitvale and 35th Avenues and be expanded to the area around the Fruitvale Plaza and down 12th Street to 37th Avenue.

Strolling down the Avenida De La Fuente you will be able to view altar making, an interactive display and traditional ceremonies presented in partnership with the Oakland Museum of CA. Over 25 sacred artist and community altars will be displayed, and traditional music can be enjoyed in the area around the Fruitvale Village. 

The huge outdoor BART parking area will be transformed into a vibrant “Plaza Musical,” where 93.3 La Raza radio, Estrella TV and Monster beverage will host a stage filled with lively music! In the Plaza, Oakland Parks and Recreation will offer children’s activities; in addition, Fun n’ Games rides, retail vendors and tasty ethnic foods will be available for all to enjoy.

International Boulevard will be transformed into a shopping paradise, filled with arts and craft vendors that will offer Dia de Los Muertos and other ethnic merchandise. La Preciosa 104.9 radio and Telemundo KSTS TV will anchor and host a stage at Fruitvale Avenue and feature regional Latino music! 

This eclectic Day of the Dead celebration is a safe, family oriented, non-alcoholic event that is FREE to the public.  

The celebration is scheduled for Sunday, November 1, 2009 from 10am to 5pm along International Boulevard between Fruitvale Ave. and 35th Ave. and at the Fruitvale  Village and along 12th Street to 37th Avenue in the Fruitvale district of Oakland, California.  
 


This year's theme is “Celebrating the Spirit of Community” bringing together the community to celebrate the past and the present at our traditional cultural experience featuring talented artists, unique craft vendors, 
retailers and informational service providers. An expanded art and altar area will be featured in a new condensed area, along with colorful dance troupes and musicians!

As one of Oakland’s largest community  events, the festival attracts people of many ethnic groups from all over the Bay Area. Thousands of visitors  attend each year’s festival that celebrates our cultural traditions, the arts and artisans.

Oakland Local's team is planning to go and savor the day, hope we see you there-and if you take pictures you'd like us to publish, get in touch right away; we'll be posting photos on Monday for sure. (editor@oaklandlocal.com)

Update: And don't forget, on Oct 31, Tina Tamale's Day of the Dead Fiesta in Old Oakland. (She is the coolest woman) LOVES her neighborhood.

About Susan Mernit

Susan Mernit is the founder of Oakland Local. She is also a circuit rider for The Community Information Challenge, a program of The John S and James L Knight Foundation, and a consultant to non-profit and community organizations. Susan lives in North Oakland, near the Santa Fe school, with her partner Andy, her housemate, a big old dog named Winston, and a yard full of ants. She is an aspiring gardener, a long-time blogger & entrepreneur, and a recovering journalist.