The Diocese of Orange will hold its annual Día de los Muertos observance on Saturday with a Rosary, Mass and festival attended by the Most Rev. Timothy Freyer, Auxiliary Bishop of Orange, starting at 9:30 a.m. at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Orange. More than 2,000 Catholics from parishes throughout the Diocese will gather at the cemetery for the annual outdoor Mass to pay their respects and celebrate the life of their loved ones who have departed.

Día de los Muertos is a tradition in Mexico and in other Latin American countries. This observance dates back many hundreds of years and is closely associated with All Souls’ Day on Nov. 2. It is marked by festivities, including elaborately decorated altars and face painting. Many families visit the graveyards of their loved ones and celebrate throughout the day with a picnic as they remember the deceased.

“The Day of the Dead is passionately observed by the Hispanic community in our Diocese,” said Bishop Freyer. “It is an occasion for families to come together in prayer to celebrate a ritual that has profound spiritual and cultural importance.”

There are many customs and traditions that occur during Día de los Muertos festivities, depending on the culture. An altar is often intricately built at the cemetery offering food for deceased family members in the belief that the dead participate in the meal in spirit. The offerings are arranged with colorful banners and flowers, which serve as a living memory of deceased loved ones. Candles, incense, mementos, photos and other remembrances are used in the preparation of the altar honoring the faithful departed.

Order of Events

What: Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Rosary, Mass and Festival in the Diocese of Orange

Where: Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, 7845 Santiago Canyon Road, Orange. General attendee parking with shuttles is at Santiago Canyon College.

When: Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Doors open at 8:30 a.m. Rosary at 9:30 a.m. Mass at 10:30 a.m. Festivities from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)