The following comes from an October 17 San Luis Obisbo Tribune article by Dan Krieger:

The Day of the Dead, Día de los Muertos, is a celebration born in the Americas. In the years that followed the Spanish conquest of Mexico, it fused the Old World Catholic celebrations of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, Nov. 1 and 2, into the rich elements of Native American culture.

I know of no better place to get a perspective on this fusion than Mission San Antonio de Padua. It is an especially meaningful experience on a cool autumn afternoon.

On Saturday, Oct. 29 at 1 p.m., you have a rare opportunity to experience a traditional religious ceremony celebrating the “Day of the Dead” at California’s third oldest and most remote mission.

The ceremony will begin with leaders of the Salinan Tribe of San Luis Obispo and Monterey counties, greeting Father Jim Nisbet, former pastor of Mission San Luis Obispo and a Native American who was active in promoting the cause of 17th century Mohawk Kateri Tekakwithaas the first Native American saint.

There will be a traditional Four Directions ceremony honoring Father Sky, Mother Earth and Spirit Tree.

Everyone then proceeds into the restored mission church for the All Souls Day Mass.

Prayers will be chanted in the Salinan language by tribal elders and children.