Hundreds of people came together this weekend to honor their ancestors, celebrate their heritage and gather in vibrant community spirit during at Long Beach’s seventh annual Día de los Muertos Festival.
The free, family-friendly events took place on Sunday, Nov. 1, at Rainbow Lagoon, and featured a variety of cultural performances, vendors and a resource fair, among other entertainment and activities.
Jade, 4, is festive at the Dia de los Muertos celebration on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, at Rainbow Lagoon in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Dancers from Millikan High School’s Ballet Folklorico perform on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, at the Dia de los Muertos Festival at Rainbow Lagoon in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Dancers from Millikan High School’s Ballet Folklorico perform on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, at the Dia de los Muertos Festival at Rainbow Lagoon in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Dancers from Millikan High School’s Ballet Folklorico perform on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, at the Dia de los Muertos Festival at Rainbow Lagoon in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Dancers from Millikan High School’s Ballet Folklorico perform on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, at the Dia de los Muertos Festival at Rainbow Lagoon in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Dancers from Millikan High School’s Ballet Folklorico perform on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, at the Dia de los Muertos Festival at Rainbow Lagoon in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
A member of Millikan High School’s Ballet Folklorico performs on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, at the Dia de los Muertos Festival at Rainbow Lagoon in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
A member of Millikan High School’s Ballet Folklorico performs on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, at the Dia de los Muertos Festival at Rainbow Lagoon in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Kai Gonzalez of Los Angeles has his face painted on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, at the Dia de los Muertos Festival at Rainbow Lagoon in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Kai Gonzalez, 6, looks at his face-painting in a mirror on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, at the Dia de los Muertos Festival at Rainbow Lagoon in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Siblings Rivi, 4, and Raya, 2, wear masks at the Dia de los Muertos celebration on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, at Rainbow Lagoon in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Festival-goers look on at the Dia de los Muertos celebration on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, at Rainbow Lagoon in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
A girl takes in the Dia de los Muertos Festival on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, at Rainbow Lagoon in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Dan Sherman and his daughter, Amelie, 5, of Los Alamitos attend the Dia de los Muertos Festival on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, at Rainbow Lagoon in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson welcomes the crowd alongside city officials and guests on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, for the city’s annual Dia de los Muertos Festival. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Attendees fill Rainbow Lagoon in Long Beach on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, for the city’s annual Dia de los Muertos celebration. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Attendees fill Rainbow Lagoon in Long Beach on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, for the city’s annual Dia de los Muertos celebration. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
An attendee adjusts his sombrero on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, at the Dia de los Muertos Festival at Rainbow Lagoon in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Show Caption
1 of 18
Jade, 4, is festive at the Dia de los Muertos celebration on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, at Rainbow Lagoon in Long Beach. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is deeply rooted in the traditions and cultures of the indigenous communities of Mexico and Central America, and for many Latinos in the United States, to honor and commemorate the lives of the dead and welcome the return of their spirits. The holiday is observed annually from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2.
Following last year’s cancellation of the city’s parade and celebration amid fear of federal immigration enforcement – which is still ongoing across the region and Long Beach – the festival returned in its original format, city officials said. The city invited community members to gather, honor loved ones and celebrate together in one central location.
This year’s performances included Mariachi Divas, Tiancho, Vintage Show, Selena tribute Como La Flor Band, Las Chicas Tristes – a DJ duo – and a performance by Millikan’s Ballet Folklorico. The event was hosted by master of ceremonies Emiliano Torres, an acclaimed actor from television shows “Mayans M.C.,” “Bosch” and “2 Broke Girls.”
The festival also had a kids’ zone with various activities, including arts and crafts, ofrenda/altar decorating, face painting, and a musical petting zoo – where children played different instruments.
Attendees also enjoyed food trucks offering Mexican food, hot dogs, funnel cakes, Japanese food and Thai-Mexican fusion, among other cuisines.