Festival Mictlan: A Celebration of the Underworld

By Gus Hernandez

Xoloitzcuintli, the sacred dog believed to guide souls through the underworld, reminds us that death is not an end, but a journey. It is in that spirit that The San Diego LGBT Community Center invites you to the first-ever Festival Mictlan: Celebration of the Underworld, happening Saturday, November 1, during Día de los Muertos weekend. 

This first-of-its-kind event is more than a celebration, it is a statement. Festival Mictlan is a vibrant, intergenerational gathering that honors our ancestors, uplifts our Latin@x LGBTQ+ community, and invites everyone to participate. This event is hosted under the leadership of Psyche Calderon Vargas (she/her/ella), the new Director of Latin@x Services at The Center, whose vision and lived experience are already shaping the future of The Center’s work with Latin@x communities.

A Cultural and Spiritual Gathering

Día de los Muertos is a sacred time for many in our community. It is a moment to remember those who came before us, to reflect on our roots, and to celebrate life in all its complexity. Mictlan is the Nahuatl word for the underworld, where souls journey after death. But this is not a somber affair. Expect music, food, altars, art, drag, and joy. Expect to see your neighbors, your chosen family, and your community in full color.

This event is part of the evolution of Latin@x Services at The Center which ensures that the needs, voices, and leadership of Latin@x LGBTQ+ people are central its mission. Latin@x Services is expanding its reach and deepening its impact by offering culturally responsive services, building coalitions, and creating spaces where Latin@x LGBTQ+ folks can thrive.

Meet Psyche Calderon Vargas

Dr. Psyche Calderon Vargas brings a wealth of experience in community organizing, healing justice, and queer Latin@x advocacy. Her leadership is rooted in ancestral knowledge, intersectional feminism, and a deep commitment to liberation for all. Festival Mictlan reflects her vision: bold, inclusive, and unapologetically Latin@x.

The Center as a Vote Center

In a powerful alignment of culture and civic engagement, The Center will also serve as an official Vote Center during the November Special Election, from November 1-4. That means you can come to Festival Mictlan to celebrate this cultural event, and then vote to ensure your voice is heard.

Voting is a sacred act, especially for communities that have historically been marginalized or excluded from the democratic process. For LGBTQ+ people, for immigrants, for people of color; our votes are our voices. And this year, those voices are more important than ever.

We also recognize that for many in our immigrant communities, especially those who are undocumented or mixed-status, the presence of law enforcement or federal agencies can be intimidating or even dangerous. That is why we are proud to say that The Center, as a Vote Center, offers a level of protection. ICE is prohibited from conducting enforcement actions at or near polling places, and our staff and volunteers are trained to ensure that everyone feels safe, welcome, and respected.

Build Power with Us

Festival Mictlan is launching at a time when our communities are under attack from anti-LGBTQ+ legislation to threats against immigrants and communities of color. But we are not backing down. We are building power, reclaiming space, and celebrating who we are.

Join Us

You are invited be part of this historic event. Whether you are lighting a candle for a loved one, dancing to the rhythm of salsa, casting your ballot, or simply showing up in community, your presence matters.

This celebration, presented in the spirit of a traditional kermés, will include:

• A Catrin@x Contest with wonderful prizes. Come dressed in your finest Día de los Muertos attire and skeleton makeup. Walk-ins for the Catrin@x Contest will be welcomed.
• A Community Altar Contest, with altars displayed throughout the festival as offerings of memory and love.
• Live presentations from local artists uplifting our ancestral heritage.
• A Beginner Salsa Class, inviting everyone to join in the dance.

We warmly invite you, your family, and community to come together in celebration, honoring our traditions while creating new memories through art, music, and collective joy.

If you wish to participate in any of the contests or activities, please sign up no later than October 24, 2025. To participate, visit https://bit.ly/festival-mictlan to sign up.

Festival Mitlán: Celebration of the Underworld
Saturday, November 1, 2025, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The San Diego LGBT Community Center
Free and open to all ages

Come for the culture. Stay for the community. Leave with your voice heard and your spirit lifted.