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As Dia de los Muertos approaches, Orange County communities are preparing for the celebration of ancestors and the dead that is traditionally held the first days of November. Common to Day of the Dead celebrations are ofrendas or altars honoring those who have died and are being remembered, and marigolds are central to the decorations. The Orange Coast College Horticulture Department held a sale on Friday of the plants known for their fragrant orange flowers. A second sale is planned from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 31. Park in Lot H or G off Adams Avenue. This is the third year the horticulture department has hosted the marigold sale. One-gallon pots of marigolds are being sold for $7, all proceeds go to scholarships and student projects in the department, which holds other plant sales throughout the year. Learn more at orangecoastcollege.edu/academics/math-sciences/horticulture. There are several Dia De Los Muertos events planned around the county in coming days, here are just a few: Cypress: Forest Lawn will have colorful altars, large Catrina sculptures, dance and music performances, arts and crafts and more from noon to 3 p.m. on Nov. 2. Dana Point: For the second year, the city is hosting an event at La Plaza Park with live music, ofrendas, crafts and chalk art, dancing and more. Several mariachi groups will perform throughout the day. The event is 3 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 1. Fountain Valley: The city is hosting a community remembrance wall and there will be crafts, face painting, games and more from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 30 at the Recreation Center on Brookhurst Street. Photos for the wall can be dropped off through Oct. 30 at the rec center during business hours. Fullerton: The Fullerton Museum Center is hosting Noche de Muertos from 3 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 1 in the Downtown Fullerton Plaza with community altars, live music, arts and crafts, a beer garden and more. Orange County: The OC Cemetery District is hosting “Dia de los Muertos To Go” at its three public cemeteries — Anaheim, El Toro in Lake Forest and Santa Ana — with plans to hand out bags of pan de Muerto, small bouquets of marigolds and craft kits for children starting at 9 a.m. on Nov. 1 and until supplies last or 11 a.m. San Clemente: The city will have a celebration from 2 to 6 p.m. on Nov. 1 at Max Berg Plaza Park with an art contest, Catrina and Catrin Contest, dance and music performances, storytimes, an altar and food. San Juan Capistrano: There will be a celebration with mariachi music and folklorico dancing, basket weaving, crafts, altars and museum tours at the Blas Aguilar Adobe Museum at the Juaneno Acjachemen Cultural Center. The event is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 1.
