Dia de los Muertos Altar Traditional Elements:
Creating an altar to honor the dead is one of the most important parts of Dia de los Muertos. Altars can be heartfelt and humorous, simple or extravagant. In addition to deceased family members and friends, altars are constructed for departed pets, celebrities, and historical figures. The Sacred Altar Exhibition and Competition will showcase a variety of perspectives within the Dia de los Muertos tradition.
As part of San Pedro’s Dia de Los Muertos festival, the San Pedro Historic Waterfront Business Improvement District will be presenting an open-air exhibition of community altars that honor the deceased and/or explore the tradition of Dia de Los Muertos and other such rituals memorializing the dearly departed. For those unfamiliar with this Holiday’s traditions, altars honor the deceased with food and often times colorful and playful offerings. Tributes include everything from toys for children, photographs, special foods, or other symbolic items that were meaningful before death.
Marigolds, also known as the flower of the dead (cempasúchil), are often used as well as colorful paper flowers, birds, or skeletons. The images of the skeletons (calacas) are not meant to be scary, but instead mimic joyful moments, such as dancing.
Community Altar of Remembrance:
There will also be a community altar where anyone who has lost a loved one is invited to leave a picture, personal note, or other small items of remembrance.
Classic Car Altar Prizes:
Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Prizes will be announced at a future date.
Classic Car Altar winners will be announced at the end of the evening before the final performances.
Application process:
Artists and community members are asked to submit altar concepts for consideration for the exhibition that will take place during the Festival on Sun. October 25th, 2026.
There is no charge to participate.
Space is limited. Applications will be on a first come first serve basis.
Apply for the 2026 Altar Competition
Download the application and fill it out!
Artists whose entry is accepted for the exhibit will be notified immediately after receipt of the application. Please follow the instructions on the document on how to submit.
Rules, Guidelines, and Instructions:
A dedicated parking space will be provided.
All vehicles must be in place in their parking spot by 1:00 PM day of the event.
All wheels must be chalked.
Car owners must stay for the duration of the event 3:00 to 9:30 PM.
After the event is over and the street is reopened, you will be permitted to exit with your vehicle. Vehicles will not be permitted to exit during the hours of the event.
No 10'x10' overhead canopies will be permitted.
Open flames (including candles) are strictly prohibited.
Battery-operated candles are approved for use.
Judging will be based on the following criteria:
Traditional approach or contemporary approach
Written dedication and meaning
Creativity and artistic design