Dia de Los Muertos 2025, At Davies Hall

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This week on Stanford Hispanic Broadcasting, we’re proud to feature an exclusive interview with Martha Rodríguez‑Salazar, curator of the San Francisco Symphony’s annual Día de los Muertos celebration. Martha, a classically trained musician, educator, and cultural leader originally from Mexico City, has been the visionary behind this beloved event since 2008. Her deep commitment to community, tradition, and education shines through in every detail of the celebration — from the music to the vibrant lobby experiences that welcome families into the heart of this cultural ritual.

This year’s Día de los Muertos event takes place on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco. The focus is on children and interactivity — creating a space where families can connect with the meaning and magic of this tradition. Starting at 1:30 pm, the lobby of Davies Hall will transform into a colorful, immersive experience featuring altars created by local artists, face painting, sugar skull decorating, paper flower making, and even a Mariachi instrument “petting zoo.” It’s an opportunity for young people to engage directly with the symbols, sounds, and spirit of Día de los Muertos.

At 3:00 pm, the concert begins — a vibrant musical tribute under the baton of guest conductor Lina González‑Granados. Originally from Colombia, González‑Granados is known for her expressive style and innovative programming. She brings a powerful energy to the podium, and this year’s program blends traditional Latin American sounds with orchestral grandeur. Audiences can expect a moving and joyful musical experience that honors the memory of loved ones while celebrating life and culture in all its richness.

In our interview, Martha Rodríguez‑Salazar shares how this year’s theme brings new energy to the event, emphasizing how important it is to include and inspire the next generation. She speaks passionately about the collaboration with artists, the care that goes into each altar, and the emotional resonance that the music carries — both for those who celebrate Día de los Muertos as part of their heritage and for those encountering it for the first time.

Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation on Stanford Hispanic Broadcasting, and if you’re in the Bay Area, join us at Davies Symphony Hall for a day of community, remembrance, and music that speaks to the soul. Día de los Muertos at the SF Symphony is more than a concert — it’s a living, breathing celebration of life.