Día de los Muertos & Diwali in The Presidio

Join us at Presidio Tunnel Tops for a family-friendly Día de los Muertos & Diwali celebration and observation in the Presidio! Come explore the traditions and cultural connections between two ancestral celebrations through enjoying traditional arts and crafts like paper flower making, rangoli art, diya lighting, planting native plants, and more as we come together to experience culture in the park. We invite you to remember loved ones by sharing a photo or message to contribute to the ofrenda at the Presidio Visitor Center. 

Event Schedule: 

11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Ceremonial Opening & Welcome – East Meadow 

Calpulli Tonalehqueh Aztec Dancing & Diya lighting  

 

11 a.m. – 3 p.m Ofrenda & Tree of Life – Presidio Visitor Center 

                            Traditional Crafts – Crissy Field Center

Paper flower making, henna & rangoli art, calaca & diya painting          

  

12-3 p.m. Planting as Remembrance – Quartermaster Reach 

*(registration required here)  

  

2:30 p.m. Closing Ceremony – Crissy Field Center  

Fire Ceremony and Carnatic songs with Roopa Mahadevan & Diana Gameros 

 

Roopa Mahadevan has been hailed a “stirring voice” by the New York Times. She is a leading second-generation Indian classical and crossover vocalist in the American diaspora known for her powerful, emotive voice, versatility, and collaborative spirit. Roopa is also a composer and passionate teacher, hoping to share the richness of the Carnatic music tradition and the liberatory power of improvisation. 

Diana Gameros is a singer, guitarist, pianist, composer, songwriter, music instructor, lead teaching artist with the Lullaby Project and core band member of the Immigrant Orchestra. Her music often tells stories of family, migration, identity, and home. 

Hosted by the Presidio Trust and Parks Conservancy with Alliance for South Asians Taking Action and Hindus for Human Rights.

For any accommodations needs please contact Miriam Manda at mmanda@presidiotrust.gov or 423.704.7187 with at least seven days’ notice to help ensure availability.