HALF MOON BAY, Calif. - Amid heightened uncertainty following last week’s threat of major immigration enforcement, several Bay Area cities have canceled or scaled back their Día de los Muertos festivities.

Those moving forward say the celebrations are more important than ever — a chance to bring comfort, connection, and unity.

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is rooted in ancient Aztec and Mayan beliefs. Far from a somber occasion, it is a joyful celebration of life — a time to remember and welcome the spirits of loved ones who have passed away.

Between Nov. 1 and 2, families in Mexico decorate graves with bright orange marigolds and candles. Here in the Bay Area, many build intricate altars, or ofrendas, inside their homes, adorned with photos, flowers, and the favorite foods

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