Día de Los Muertos 2024: Bearing Witness

Now in its 25th year, SOMArts’ annual Día de Los Muertos exhibition is one of the most internationally diverse Day of the Dead celebrations in the United States. Founded by beloved San Francisco artist and curator René Yañez, Día de Los Muertos at SOMArts merges traditional altars with contemporary installations, continuing to be a multigenerational gathering of remembrance while affirming the importance of arts & culture in shaping our worlds.

Continuing the legacy of René’s work are co-curators Rio Yañez and Bridgètt Rex who envision a Day of the Dead presentation that celebrates the holiday’s Mexican roots while calling for all cultures around the globe to honor the dead together in solidarity.

As the world watches and responds to the genocide of the Palestinian people, this year’s exhibition theme, Bearing Witness: An Expression of Love, Solidarity, and Justice for the People of Palestine, reflects on the impact of this ongoing trauma on personal, national, and international levels. Participating artists center creation as resistance by mounting traditional and contemporary altar installations that honor, celebrate, and mourn those who have perished in Palestine. In alignment with the tradition of Día de Los Muertos, the exhibition also showcases personal altars dedicated to loved ones who have passed.

As part of the exhibition programming, SOMArts’ Día de Los Muertos drag show returns on Friday, October 25, doors open at 7:30 PM PST. Curated and hosted by Per Sia, the evening explores drag as altar and a practice in remembrance.