St. Catherine’s Cemetery Map

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Dia de los Muertos Tradition on All Souls Day

Once a year on November 2, a procession winds its way up the hill toward St. Catherine’s Catholic Church and to the cemetery beyond in observance of the Ancient
Feast of All Soul’s Day. This year at 4:00 p.m., people will gather in the Hornitos Plaza, and Revered Rodolfo Esmero of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Mariposa, will lead the procession to the cemetery, stopping at the grave of early Hornitos resident Doña Candelaria de Sapien, the keeper of the tradition. After Friar Rudy leads the Blessing of the Cemetery, participants may place battery operated candles at her grave, at the graves of family and friends, or at any unlit grave. Friar Rudy will then celebrate the All Souls Day Mass for the Dead at the historic St. Catherine’s Church. Friends, history buffs, and those who wish to honor the memory of early Hornitos settlers are all invited to join in the procession. Light refreshments will be served by the Hornitos Patron’s Club at the Golden Stag Hall in Hornitos following the celebration. For information, you may call: 209-966-2522.

The practice of placing candles at the graves of loved ones on All Souls Day was brought to Hornitos from Mexico by early miners. Doña Candelaria de Sapien revived the practice in
the 1800’s. Due to fire danger and liability concerns, only battery operated candles and tea lights are allowed. This procession, which has lately numbered up to 450 participants, has been held every November 2nd for as many as 116 years.