Central California events

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Santa Barbara Museum hosts an annual Dia de los Muertos, and you're invited --free! The whole family is invited to explore the Mexican tradition of Day of the Dead. Enjoy art activities, performance of traditional music & dance, altar displays, and refreshments In conjunction with Free Family Day, the Marlene and Robert Veloz Children’s Gallery  is open as a new Family Resource Center. Featuring original paintings and sculpture from the permanent collection, the resource center gives children and families the opportunity to discover works of art, make their own masterpieces, listen to stories, or go on a treasure hunt. The drop-in center is a source of information for families, including family guides, ArtVenture camps, classes, workshops, and special events and celebrations.

Cost: Free admission. Location: 1130 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA. Open Tuesday-Sunday 11 am to 5 pm. Closed Monday.

Call: (805) 963-4364. sbma.net About Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday that celebrates dead family members through a series of events that take place on November 1&2 in Mexico and other places internationally with foods, music, dance, and festivities.

Traditionally honoring the dead with shrines or altars to dead family members in their homes family members left gifts for the dead in hopes that the dead would come and visit them. Food, alcohol, and other favorite items of the deceased were placed at the shrines. Cakes and other food in the shape of skulls or skeletons are often handed out to children as a lighthearted way to celebrate the Day of the Dead. Travelers seeking a unique celebration should add this to their must-see list of trips. Mexico City hosts huge Mexican Day of the Dead parades, and is probably the best city to savor the flavor of the local cultures, customs and celebrations.