This fall, hundreds of lowrider cars decked out with altars and golden flowers will take over downtown Ventura streets. 

The Downtown Social Club, an event company, will hold a massive Día de los Muertos car show on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. Día de los Muertos, or day of the dead, is a holiday in Mexican culture for people to pay respects to their loved ones who have died. 

The event will span seven blocks—an increase from last year’s event, which took over four blocks, said organizer Robby Lopez.

“This is a way to celebrate. It’s a different way of mourning,” he said. “I’m here. I’m a little sad, but I’m also celebrating and remembering all the good times and celebrating with the people that I love that are still here.”

Performers dance at a previous Día de los Muertos event in downtown Ventura. This year, the event will span seven blocks—an increase from last year’s event, which took over four blocks. (Courtesy of Matthew Perez)

Colorful sugar skulls, which represent departed souls, will be scattered throughout the grounds. Event organizers also bring in trucks full of live marigold flowers to string throughout the sidewalks. 

The goal, Lopez said, is to ensure attendees know that they’re not alone. 

“We’re here celebrating your lost loved one’s life with you, and you’re around people who are also doing the same,” he said. 

An attendee wears a sugar skull mask. Sugar skulls, which represent departed souls, will be scattered throughout the grounds. (Courtesy of Matthew Perez)

Oct. 31 will mark a smaller part of the car show. Organizers will hold a “trunk or treat” activity to kick off the event, where people can come out to decorate their cars and hand out candy to children.

Attendees can also upload photos of their loved ones for a digital memorial by the main stage. 

Businesses on the main street will decorate their storefronts and turn their spaces into food courts and beer gardens for attendees to visit, Lopez said. Some vendors host workshops throughout the day, such as activities where people can make their own alebrijes—colorful sculptures shaped as spirit animals. 

A lowrider car is decorated with an altar. Día de los Muertos, or day of the dead, is a holiday in Mexican culture for people to pay respects to their loved ones who have died. (Courtesy of Matthew Perez)

“We’re making it free for the family, and trying to teach people what this holiday is about,” he said.

Lopez encouraged people to volunteer and stop by the car show, whether they are local to Ventura or traveling from outside. 

“Come join us for the day,” he said. “We’ll make sure you’re taken care of, and you have a good time.”

Amanda Velasco is a Sara Miller McCune News-Press Summer Fellow and rising junior at UCLA, majoring in Public Affairs. She is the current News editor and was previously the Features and Student Life editor for UCLA’s student publication, The Daily Bruin.