The Hayward Area Historical Society (HAHS) is happy to announce the return of the Day of the Dead exhibit this autumn. Please join is for our special Dia de los Muertos drop in family craft days at our museum in downtown Hayward.
Tissue Paper Marigolds & Foil Art
Saturday, October 4, 2025
11:00am to 3:00pm
The Marigold, or Zemoazuchitl (zehm-pah-zu-cheel), are known to be the flowers of the dead. They have a strong scent, which is supposed to help guide the spirits to their ofrendas.
Our spin on Mexican Tin Folk Art, which has ties to pre-Columbian mesoamerican art. It became popular in the 20th century and is used to make mirrors, retablos, milagros, and ex-votos.
Monarch Butterflies
Saturday, October 18, 2025
11:00am to 3:00pm
The Monarch butterfly flies north to Canada and the US in the springtime, but migrates south again to Mexico and Central America in the fall, just in time for Day of the Dead. Every year at the end of October, millions of Monarch butterflies migrate south and spend the long winter months clustered together in special groves of fir trees. The return of the butterflies reminded people of the return of the spirits during Day of the Dead. Create your own butterfly to take home.
Las Calacas
Saturday, October 25, 2025
11:00am to 3:00pm
La calacas, or skeleton figures, are one way of making light of death. These figures are generally depicted as joyous rather than mournful figures, often shown wearing festive clothing, dancing, or playing musical instruments to indicate a happy afterlife.
Join us in decorating festive skeletons to take home.
Skull Masks
Saturday, November 1, 2025
11:00am to 3:00pm
No Dia de los Muertos celebration would be complete without skulls! Come decorate a skull mask to wear for the day!
The Hayward Area Historical Society is located on the 2nd floor at 22380 Foothill Blvd, Hayward. There is ample parking on Fridays in the lot. Please enter through the parking lot side and take the elevator.