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Hauntingly Beautiful Photos from San Francisco's Celebration of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

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Memorial altar. Photo: Naomi Fiss
Memorial altar. Photo: Naomi Fiss

One of the most revered local celebrations, San Francisco's Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), took place on Saturday, November 2 in the Mission District. This traditional Mexican / Mexican-American holiday honors ancestors and loved ones who are no longer with us and provides the time to acknowledge and reflect on the importance of those who have died.

A candlelight procession began at 22nd and Bryant, snaked its way through the streets of the Mission, and returned to the starting point. Local voices were heard loud and clear throughout the event -- some expressed frustration at the current Ellis Act evictions.

Eviction mural and offerings at 24th and Bryant in the Mission. Photo: Naomi Fiss
Eviction mural and offerings at 24th and Bryant in the Mission. Photo: Naomi Fiss

Concurrently, festivities took place at Garfield Park with The Festival of Altars, where artists created beautiful and heartfelt memorials. This year's celebration included performance art, altars in honor of those who have died due to hunger or migrant farming, and awe-inspiring works of art. Please enjoy these images which show the beauty of the San Francisco community, the commemoration of lives, and the rich cultural tradition that the Mission District has held for decades.

ALTARS

Memorial to the homeless. Photo: Naomi Fiss
Memorial to the homeless.
Memorial to the homeless. Photo: Naomi Fiss
Memorial to the homeless.

FACES OF DIA DE LOS MUERTOS

Two girls with light toys. Photo: Naomi Fiss

MISSION STREET SCENES SUGAR SKULLS AND PAN DE MUERTO

Sugar skull makers. Photo: Naomi Fiss

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL

Candlelight memorial for Eddie, Lou Reed and others. Photo: Naomi Fiss


Woman lights candle during candlelight vigil. Photo: Naomi Fiss

THE PROCESSION


Skeleton dancer. Photo: Naomi Fiss

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