Mindful Day of the Dead: Dia de los Muertos at Deer Park Monastery

We welcome you to join us to celebrate Dia de los Muertos.
Únete a nuestra sangha del sur de California para celebrar el Día de los Muertos, el domingo 1 de noviembre de 2026.
Dear Friends,
Join us on the hidden mountain to welcome home our ancestors and loved ones during our annual Day of the Dead celebration. Día de los Muertos is a traditional Mexican holiday that we now celebrate at Deer Park Monastery.
Join our Southern California sangha to celebrate Día de los Muertos on November 1.
The Ofrenda (Altar)
During Día de los Muertos, offerings are made to ancestors who have transitioned. Families create elaborate ofrendas in their homes and at cemeteries to honor and welcome back the spirits of their deceased loved ones. Offerings may be adorned with candles, sugar skulls, flowers, photos, food and beverages that they liked, and other symbolic items. We encourage you to bring offerings such as these with you to Deer Park for our shared ofrenda and ceremony in the Oak Grove.
Our monastics are partnering with local Spanish-speaking practitioners who will lead songs, readings, and prayers in Spanish and English for all to participate during the ceremony.
This is also a time to honor our beloved teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh, and his continuation that transcends physical form and continues to spread the miracle of mindfulness across the world.
Tentative Schedule
Note: this schedule is subject to change.
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Gate open to receive registered visitors
9:00 AM - Singing, short guided meditation and Dharma Talk in Spanish
10:30 AM - Walking Meditation to Oak Grove
11:00 AM - Dia de los Muertos Offerings & Chanting
11:30 AM - Invitation for Friends to speak about their loved ones
12:00 PM - Walking Meditation to Lunch
12:30 PM - Vegan/Vegetarian Potluck Lunch (feel free to bring a potluck dish and kindly label it vegan or vegetarian)
2:00 PM - End of programming