Los Altares are one of the most important elements of the yearly celebration of Día de los Muertos.

The altar is a mixture of symbolism that comes from both native Aztec traditions and Catholic beliefs brought to Mexico by the Spanish conquistadors.

Organizations, schools, and individuals are welcome to submit an application to reserve an altar space at this year’s event.

Applications are due by October 18, 2019

To reserve your space contact Yaret Hernandez at 1diasantacruz@gmail.com or call (831) 234-5189

Día de los Muertos Festival & 5k/3k

Día de los Muertos Community Celebration

Benefitting Youth Programs in Santa Cruz County

Sunday, October 27, 2019, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

21513 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA

Display Your Altar at the 2019 Día de los Muertos Festival

Enter a free drawing to win $200, $100 or $50!

www.diasantacruz.com

Día de los Muertos Festival & 5k/3k

Día de los Muertos Community Celebration

Benefitting Youth Programs in Santa Cruz County

Sunday, October 27, 2019, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

21513 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA

Registration for Altar/Ofrenda Display Organization: _________________________ Main Contact: ___________________ Phone Number: _______________________ Email: __________________________

Altar/Ofrenda Rules & Regulations

• It is free to participate in the Altar/Ofrenda Displays. Registration is required. • Cancellations must be made in writing 72 hours in advance of the event. • Set up times: Sunday, 10/27 from 7:00 am to 9:00 am. Please arrive on time. Those who

arrive later than 9:00 am will not be allowed to participate. • Upon arrival, check in with Event Staff in the designated area. Find your name and

numbered space on the map, unload your supplies, and IMMEDIATELY MOVE YOUR CAR to the designated parking spaces.

• Clean-up/Load out times: From 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm (the event ends at 3:00 pm). • Please leave the space free of trash and debris. Plan to bring large trash bags. If left

unclean, future participation may not be allowed. • The Fire Department does not allow the burning of candles. If desired, altars may be

illuminated with flameless/battery powered candles. • Electricity will NOT be provided.

The following will be provided: a 10x10 space, free papel picado, marigolds (4 bunches). Upon prior request, a 6ft rectangular table may be provided for the altar space.

Participating organizations will be entered into a raffle to receive one of three cash prizes, valued at $250, $100, $75.

Permission to participate in the Día de los Muertos Festival & 5k/3k Run fundraiser event on Sunday, October

27, 2019 (Event), co-sponsored by the Santa Cruz County Department of Parks, Open Space and Cultural

Services (Parks), the Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County (BGCSCC), and El Rosal Bakery, is given for

me, the main contact, any/all of assistants on behalf of the named organization, and any minors any minors

participating in the event for which I am the legal guardian or caretaker. In consideration of participation in this

Event, I hereby indemnify and hold harmless the County of Santa Cruz, Parks, BGCSCC, El Rosal Bakery, its

agents, employees and volunteers from any and all liability for any injury or personal loss suffered by my me

and/or my assistants, arising from or connected with this Event and I assume all risk for any injury or personal

loss. The Event reserves the right to exclude any group/organization from participation. I give my permission for

photographs and videos to be taken of me, my assistants, and/or my children by County staff, BGCSCC, El Rosal

Bakery, and/or volunteers for promotional purposes. I have read and agree to the Altar/Ofrenda Rules and

Regulations. I further certify that all assistants in my space/booth will also adhere to all Rules and Regulations.

My signature acknowledges that I understand and agree to the above conditions, and the Rules and Regulations.

Name (Print): _____________________ Signature: ______________________ Date: ______

Email registration form to: 1DiaSantaCruz@gmail.com; For more info, call Yaret Hernandez at 831-234-5189

www.diasantacruz.com

TIPS FOR Creating your Altar

One of the key elements of Día de los Muertos revolves around ofrendas, or offerings,

which are created through a visual display of altar-making and grave decorating. The

offerings, a main focal point of the observance, echo the dedication and distinct love

that is presented toward the dearly departed. Altars can be created through a wide

spectrum of dedications, depending on one’s creative desire. The altar includes the four

main elements of nature – Earth, Wind, Water and Fire.

Earth is represented by the crop: The soul is fed by the various earthly aromas. Placing

fruit or favorite family dishes on the altar provides nourishment for the beloved souls.

Wind is represented by a moving object: Paper- Mache is commonly utilized to

represent the echoes of the wind.

Water is placed in a container for the soul to quench its thirst after the long-awaited

journey to the altar. Water is also used for the means of purification.

Fire is represented by a wax candle: Each lit candle represents a loving soul, and an

extra one is placed for the forgotten soul. (please note: only battery operated candles

are permitted for this Event display)

Copal – Incense burned to commemorate Pre-Columbian history.

The Cempasuchitl - Marigold known as “The flower of the dead” blossoms in the

valleys of Mexico during the months of October and November with a bright yellow color

and is central to altar decorating. This flower aids the spirits to wander back.

Pictures are widely used in honor of the individual you are paying homage to.

The Skull – The common symbol of the holiday is the skull which is celebrated and

represented by decorative masks called calacas. In addition, sugar skulls are also

tastefully created and inscribed with the names of both the honored and living recipients

on the forehead as a means to remind us of our own mortality.

TIPS FOR Creating your Altar