Lancaster, CA -- The Antelope Valley Family YMCA is excited to announce its celebration of Día de los Muertos, featuring a community ofrenda and the annual Trunk-or-Treat event. This unique observance combines cultural appreciation with family-friendly Halloween festivities, inviting the community to participate in honoring loved ones and enjoying a safe trick-or-treating experience.

From October 25th to October 31st, the YMCA will be accepting items for the community ofrenda, a traditional altar that pays tribute to deceased loved ones. Community members are encouraged to bring photos, mementos, and decorations to contribute to this meaningful display. The ofrenda will be officially unveiled during the Trunk-or-Treat event on Halloween night, October 31st, and will remain open for public viewing until November 2nd, the official Día de los Muertos.

Cynthia Lathrop, Executive Director of the Antelope Valley Family YMCA, states, "Our Día de los Muertos celebration is a beautiful way to bring our diverse community together. By creating this community ofrenda, we're providing a space for shared remembrance and cultural appreciation. It's an opportunity for families to honor their loved ones while also learning about and participating in this rich tradition."

The Trunk-or-Treat event on October 31st will offer a safe and festive environment for families to enjoy Halloween activities. This event will coincide with the opening of the community ofrenda, creating a unique blend of cultural celebration and holiday fun.

Alexa Trujillo, YMCA Board Member, adds, "We're thrilled to combine our Trunk-or-Treat tradition with the Día de los Muertos celebration. It's a wonderful way to showcase the cultural diversity of our community while providing a fun, safe space for families to celebrate Halloween. We hope this event will foster understanding and appreciation of different cultural traditions among our youth and families."

The YMCA invites all community members to participate in this special celebration, whether by contributing to the ofrenda, attending the Trunk-or-Treat event, or simply visiting to view the completed altar.

For more information about the Día de los Muertos celebration and Trunk-or-Treat event, please contact the Antelope Valley Family YMCA at (661) 723-9622 or visit their website at ymcala.org/antelopevalley.

About YMCA

Driven by its founding mission, the Y has served as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community for more than 175 years. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y’s goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections in and across 10,000 communities nationwide.