San Jose Dia de Los Muertos Will Be Spooky and Sustainable
Transform is excited to announce our partnership with the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) and the School of Arts and Culture (SOAC) at the Mexican Heritage Plaza (La Plaza) through the Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) Grant Program. Our collaboration aims to enhance sustainable transportation options and reduce car dependency for the annual Avenida de Altares event hosted by SOAC in East San Jose.
TOC grant aims for culturally competent transit encouragement
The VTA’s TOC Grant Program is designed to foster equitable, mixed-use, and mixed-income communities within a half-mile of transit stations and hubs. The program seeks to:
- Increase activities that promote transit-oriented communities
- Improve accessibility to transit stops
- Address community challenges with equitable outcomes
- Strengthen community identity and inclusivity
- Boost community support for transit-oriented investments
- Align with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s (MTC) Transit-Oriented Policy requirements.
By funding projects that align with these objectives, the VTA aims to increase transit ridership, reduce car trips, and support vibrant, walkable neighborhoods around transit facilities.
A festive night of art and culture
Avenida de Altares (Avenue of the Altars) is a cultural celebration hosted at La Plaza in San Jose, attracting over 3,000 attendees. Save the date and join us on November 1, 2025!
This free cultural event celebrates Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) at La Plaza. It’s an immersive experience centering on a curated altar walk that spans from the intersection of Alum Rock Avenue and King Road all the way to the entrance of Highway 101, culminating inside La Plaza.
After taking in the cultural sights and sounds on the Avenida de Altares, community members are invited into La Plaza for a wide variety of activities. This includes Day of the Dead-themed face painting, private tarot readings, local artisans and makers selling original creations, and a picturesque cemetery installation.
Public transit enhances the celebration
Recognizing the potential transportation challenges associated with such a large event, Transform will develop a comprehensive Transportation Demand Management (TDM) plan in partnership with SOAC to:
- Promote sustainable transportation: Encourage attendees to utilize public transit, biking, and walking to access the event.
- Reduce traffic congestion: Implement strategies that decrease reliance on single-occupancy vehicles, thereby alleviating parking demand and roadway congestion.
- Enhance accessibility: Ensure that all attendees, including Spanish-speaking and limited-mobility individuals, have convenient and equitable access to the event.
- Foster community partnerships: Strengthen collaborations between Transform, the School of Arts and Culture, VTA, and other stakeholders to support the event’s success.
As part of creating the Transportation Demand Management plan, Transform will document existing conditions through walk audits, focus groups, and surveys. We will explore potential incentives and benefits to encourage sustainable travel choices. To help people navigate to and from the event on transit, our project will enhance wayfinding, education, and outreach, ensuring that all information is presented in a culturally relevant format that supports the spirit of the event.
The Avenida de Altares project will allow Transform to create a model for sustainable event transportation that can be replicated for future community events. Through thoughtful planning and community collaboration, we can enhance the attendee experience while promoting environmental sustainability and community well-being.
We will share updates as the project progresses and invite the community to join us in making the Avenida de Altares event a success through sustainable transportation options.
