Sunnylands Blooms with Color and Remembrance for Día de los Muertos

Story and Photos by Pat Krause

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, brought celebrations to life across the Coachella Valley, with events ranging from intimate one-day gatherings to multi-day festivals rich in color, music, and memory. From folklórico dancers to lively mariachi bands and traditional food trucks, each celebration offered its own way to honor loved ones gone but not forgotten.

KIDS DANCING ARE FROM ART FLYING  AERIAL GROUP

It is A DECORATED TABLE FOR LOVED ONES THAT WERE LOST-photo Pat Krause

At Sunnylands, the festivities stretched from Wednesday through Sunday, transforming the already stunning gardens into a dazzling tribute to Mexican culture and remembrance. Hundreds of visitors came daily—many returning more than once—to take in the beauty and spirit of the occasion. Children delighted in arts and crafts, while guests stepped inside a giant skull for whimsical photo ops. A “butterfly remembrance wall” invited visitors to inscribe the names of departed loved ones on paper butterflies, which were then strung across the trees in a poignant display of remembrance. Throughout the gardens, vibrant decorations and ofrendas celebrated life, memory, and renewal.

PEOPLE IN SKULL are JOE BAY AND TARA LUND -photo by Pat Krause

Entertainment was as dynamic as the setting. The Art Flying Aerial performers wowed crowds with acrobatic feats on silk ribbons high above the ground, combining athleticism and grace. Elegiac Haiku and the Wordkeepers added a literary touch, while guests crafted their own miniature piñata coffins—a creative twist on tradition. The weekend concluded with a Sunday night screening of the beloved Pixar film Coco, a perfect finale under the stars.

KIDS DANCING ARE FROM ART FLYING  AERIAL GROUP -Photo Pat Krause

Adding to the community spirit, Desert Healthcare District’s Mobile Health Clinic offered free flu shots and wellness checkups on-site. Guests also had the opportunity to sign up for guided tours of the Sunnylands estate. With cool shade under the trees, refreshments from the café, and an atmosphere filled with art, music, and remembrance, Sunnylands proved once again to be the perfect place to celebrate life, legacy, and love.

A girl from Art Flying Aerial -photo Pat Krause