​Dia de los Muertos is one of the most popular events celebrated across the city of Santa Ana. From Downtown to MainPlace Mall, the Bowers Museum to Fairhaven Cemetary and even Valley High School, the celebration of life and death resonates with residents and visitors each year. 

Viva la Vida is the first shot-across-the-bow signaling the arrival of Dia de los Muertos season in Santa Ana. Founded by Calacas Cafe owner Rudy Cordova, Viva la Vida's modern take on the holiday included a Lucha Libre theme and a new location in the heart of DTSA. Visit their Facebook page to see pictures of the event which was nicely paired with the annual DTSA 5k Run.

MainPlace Mall hosts a popular Dia de los Muertos celebration each year that keeps getting better and better. Don't miss the main stage at Macy's Court with live performances of indigenous Mexican music by Martin Espino, Folklorico dance by Ballet Folklorico Raices, Santa Ana High School's award-winning Mariachi Band, and music and dance by OCCTAC. 

The celebration continues with kid's coloring activities, face painting, cookie decorating (while supplies last), an art show featuring work by Santa Ana High School Unified School District students, and a photo booth!  Visit their Facebook Event Page and invite your friends.

The talented students and teachers at Valley High School are collaborating once again for an awesome free community event that features art, food, dance, banda, altars and mariachi. Show the Falcons some love and stop by for a great time 5-9pm. More information on Facebook.

Noche de Altares is consistently ranked Santa Ana's favorite event drawing nearly 40,000 visitors to downtown to see over 100 altars lining Calle Cuatro (4th Street). According to the organizers, "For one night, families, students, community organizations, activists, artists, and businesses are invited to build an altar in memory of a deceased loved one or to bring awareness to a social issue. By making altars, participants are inviting fellow community members into their own life and passions for a loved one. Over the years we have seen altars bring strangers together through mutual compassion, understanding and dialogue. Families reunite to remember and honor their loved ones." Learn more on Facebook.

Santa Ana-based graphic designer, Mika Denny, is asking for your vote in a logo design contest that ends at 11pm tonight!

Mika's logo design was selected among 70 submissions as one of 5 finalists in a logo contest for the Dana Point Festival of Whales. Now, the public can vote on the best logo design and Mika already has over 600 votes. However, he is still trailing behind the first-place logo by just a few votes, and he is asking for support.