Hornitos Honors Candle-lit Tradition on All Souls Day 

October 17, 2018 - Once a year on November 2, in Hornitos, a candle-lit 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, Friday, November 2  at 6:00 p.m. people will gather again in the Hornitos Plaza. After all the candles are lit, (please bring your own processional candle), Rev. Michael Cox of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Mariposa will lead the procession up the hill to the cemetery, stopping at the grave of early Hornitos resident, Doña Candelaria de Sapien, keeper of the tradition, with each person carrying a lighted candle. After Fr. Michael leads the Blessing of the Cemetery participants may place candles at her grave, at the graves of family and friends, or at any unlit grave. Fr. Michael will then celebrate the All Souls Day Mass for the Dead at the historic St. Catherine’s Church in the cemetery.

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 early 1900’s. This procession which has lately numbered up to 450 participants has been held every November 2nd as many as 116 years.  Friends, history buffs and those who wish to honor the memory of early Hornitos settlers are all invited to join in the candlelight procession.

Light refreshments will be served by the Hornitos Patrons Club and St. Joseph’s Ladies Guild, at the Golden Stag Hall in Hornitos following the celebration. 

For information you may call: (209) 966-2522.

Related: Sierra Sun Times Special Edition - 2009 All Souls Day - Day of the Dead - Hornitos, California - November 2, 2009