Los Muertos Cemetery is a celebration of Halloween, a tribute to the indigenous Mexican people who once held this land in Santa Clara, California, and the spooky folklore tales they told.
Mexican culture is rooted in both spiritual and mystical beliefs, and unlike American culture, these two belief systems can co-exist and even support one another. As a result, there is tapestry of stories passed from one generation to another. Some include ghostly figures meant to heed warnings or serve as cautionary tales. To some this is all make-believe, but I assure there is much truth to unearth.
Los Muertos Cemetery features some of these Legends of Mexican Folklore, and every year another figure, and story, will emerge. Muy espooky!
visiting hours
October 15–31, 2024
7pm to 9pm
Santa Clara, CA
a note for
parents
This is a fully outdoor installation with animatronics, photo ops, projections, creepy fog, eerie lights and some very tall scary things. This is not a maze or walk-through.
On Halloween Night, we start handing out candy at 5:00pm to the little trick 'r treaters and keep the scarier elements off. Candy is a mix of Hershey's chocolates some with nuts. Other non-chocolate candy is available.
As dusk approaches, the display gets spookier with lights, sounds, and the fog rolls in. There's no gore, but there are ghostly figures and lots of skeletons. There are no actors that jump out to scare you.
We strive to accommodate every child that visits and give them a safe, fun, spooky night. Please do not hesitate to let us know how we can do better! Ask for Señor Scary Jerry at your visit.
As always, use common sense, beware, and proceed at your own risk.
award Winner
2023
City of Santa Clara Cultural Commission
Halloween Decorating Contest, District 3
2022
City of Santa Clara Cultural Commission
Halloween Decorating Contest, District 3
2021
City of Santa Clara Cultural Commission
Halloween Decorating Contest, District 3
2020
City of Santa Clara Cultural Commission
Halloween Decorating Contest: Most Original
La Llorona
The most popular of Mexican folklore is La Llorona, or the crying woman, a mythical figure of vengeance and regret. She is one of several key figures in Mexican culture which include Virgen de Guadalupe and Nuestra Señora de la Santa Muerte...
La Lechuza
It's said that if you spot a giant white owl in the night sky is it likely La Lechuza – don't look at her face! She is a shapeshifting old witch set out to take revenge to drunk men who wander out late at night. She might lure them with a whistle or the sound of baby crying...
It takes a village to bring Halloween to my house, and I so deeply grateful to my many contributors, whether that's of their time or funds!