Please join park staff and Latino Outdoors for a celebration of Diwali and Dia de Muertos at the park's newly opened Presidio Tunnel Tops! Diwali is a five day long festival of lights celebrated across the Indian subcontinent and Dia de Muertos is a tradition throughout Latin America celebrating and honoring ancestors through oral tradition, storytelling, and creating Ofrendas for the loved ones who have passed away. We will start the morning with planting California indigenous plants, followed by fun outdoor arts and crafts activities, sharing special food treats, and a storytelling session inspired by a book titled, "What Kind of Ancestor Do You Want To Be?"

Everyone is welcome to join and learn about these special celebrations and how they bring us closer to our more than human world and to each other!

Preparing for This Program:

• For our Dia de Muertos celebration, we will be creating an altar/Ofrenda. If you feel called to do so, we invite you to bring a photo(s) of loved ones you have lost and whose energy and memories/sentimental objects you would like to bring to the program. You are also welcome to bring decorations that you would like to use for the altar.

• For our Diwali celebration, we will be engaging in rangoli art!

• Please note, during the program filmmaker Nancy Kelly and her documentary crew will be filming park staff Yakuta Poonawalla who will be facilitating this program. We will ask each person to sign a release form that allows us to use their image in the film. We will make accommodations for participants who would like to opt out. Please do not let that stop you from attending this program!

AGE, SKILLS, WHAT TO BRING:

• Volunteers of all ages are welcome. Read our Youth Policy Guidelines (PDF) for youth under the age of 15.

• Wear clothes that can get dirty. Long pants and closed-toe shoes are required. Bring layers for changing weather and rain gear if necessary.

• Bring a personal water bottle and sunscreen.

• No experience necessary. Training and tools will be provided. Fulfills community service requirements.

Covid-Specific Guidelines:

• Stay home and DO NOT attend if you:

  • Have any illness symptoms

  • Have tested positive for COVID-19

  • Suspect you have had contact with a COVID-19 positive case

• Face coverings and social distancing are encouraged, but not required.

Air Quality Alerts:

Poor air quality may result in program cancellations - staff will be in touch if the program is impacted. Generally:

• Above 100 (orange) - program may continue but sensitive groups should consider staying home.

• Above 150 (red) - all volunteer programs will be cancelled.

• Please visit AirNow for the latest air quality information.

The Golden Gate National Parks Volunteer Program is a cooperative parkwide effort of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, the National Park Service, and the Presidio Trust.