Lights Along the Path: Day of the Dead in Tlaxcala

The San Francisco Symphony, in collaboration with curator Martha Rodríguez-Salazar and artistic partner Casa Círculo Cultural, is proud to present the 2026 Día de los Muertos exhibit, Luces en el Camino: Día de los Muertos en Tlaxcala, at Davies Symphony Hall on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

Inspired by the cultural traditions of Tlaxcala and the symbolism of the firefly, this year’s exhibition explores themes of remembrance, resilience, renewal, and hope, and will feature altar installations and visual artworks that honor loved ones, celebrate ancestral connections, and illuminate the paths that guide us through times of uncertainty.

This celebration goes far beyond one day: Each year, we invite local artists to craft installations and altars honoring both the living and the deceased. Curated by Martha Rodríguez-Salazar, these installations aim to commemorate the Day of the Dead by connecting us across centuries and continents and exploring what Mexican and Latino communities believe is a malleable barrier between life and the afterlife. 

Beginning in mid-October, their work appears in and around Davies Symphony Hall, available to peruse before or after any Symphony concert.

If you are a visual artist experienced in creating Día de los Muertos altars or installations and are interested in submitting a proposal, we would love to hear from you. Please fill out this ARTIST SUBMISSION FORM.

We look forward to presenting our 19th annual Día de los Muertos celebration!