Luminarias Dia De Muertos at Esther Short Park

Celebrate Día de Muertos with an afternoon of traditional Mexican dancing, live music, colorful altars and glowing luminarias at Esther Short Park in Vancouver, Washington.

Luminarias Día de Muertos returns Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 2 to 8 p.m. This free, family-friendly event brings the community together to honor loved ones who have passed away and celebrate the traditions of Mexico’s Day of the Dead.

Presented by Vancouver Ballet Folklórico, the annual celebration features performances, guest artists, food and craft vendors, community ofrendas and activities for all ages.

Luminarias Día de Muertos at Esther Short Park

Día de Muertos is a Mexican tradition that honors deceased loved ones through music, dance, art and offerings. Rather than focusing solely on mourning, the holiday celebrates the lives and memories of those who have passed.

At Luminarias Día de Muertos, visitors can explore community ofrendas, or altars decorated to remember loved ones, and enjoy traditional dances representing different regions of Mexico.

The celebration also features luminarias, small lanterns lit in remembrance of the departed, along with a catrín and catrina costume contest.

Food and craft vendors will be on site, and admission to the event is completely free.

2026 Día de Muertos Event Schedule

The City of Vancouver has announced the following schedule for this year’s celebration.

2–3 p.m.: Opening Ceremony

• Welcome, blessing and land acknowledgement

• Día de Muertos proclamation

• Ofrenda procession

• Introduction to the cultural traditions of Día de Muertos

3–5 p.m.: Traditional Dance and Cultural Performances

• Ancestral Meshica Chichimeca Aztec dance and music by Huehca Omeyocan

• Traditional Mexican dances representing Campeche, Jalisco, Veracruz, Chiapas, Guerrero and Aguascalientes

• Guest artists David Calvario and Isabella Arevallo

• Cultural presentations about Día de Muertos

5–6 p.m.: Live Music

• Tropical Latin music performed by Mango Twist

• Invitation to participate in the luminarias ceremony

6–8 p.m.: Luminarias and Evening Celebration

• Luminarias ceremony honoring departed loved ones

• Catrín and catrina costume contest

• Traditional dance performance from Veracruz

• Live music from DJ Manki

• Closing remarks

The evening luminarias ceremony is a central part of the celebration, offering visitors an opportunity to remember and honor family members, friends and ancestors.

Admission and Location

Luminarias Día de Muertos is free and open to all ages. The event takes place outdoors at Esther Short Park in downtown Vancouver and will continue rain or shine.

Seating is limited, so visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.

Here are the event details:

• Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026

• Time: 2–8 p.m.

• Cost: Free admission

• Location: Esther Short Park

• Address: 605 Esther St., Vancouver, WA 98660

• Ages: All ages welcome

For more information and event updates, visit the City of Vancouver’s Día de Muertos event page or Vancouver Ballet Folklórico.

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