Live music, local artists, and a community ofrenda brought residents together at the Historic Fresno Water Tower on Nov. 5 for a free Día de los Muertos celebration hosted by the newly launched MORE Fresno Foundation.

The event highlighted the traditions and cultural significance of Día de los Muertos through artistic expression and performances, according to the foundation.

In a statement following the celebration, the foundation thanked the artists, participants, and community members who helped make the evening possible. It described the event as one of several steps toward expanding cultural programming and community connections throughout Fresno.

The celebration followed the foundation’s Nov. 2 launch, which outlined a mission to support local artists, performers, and creatives while promoting historic preservation.

“We are not trying to create culture for Fresno. Fresno already has incredible culture,” said founder Albee Sánchez. “We are trying to create better spaces, opportunities for people to experience it.”

The Historic Fresno Water Tower will serve as a starting point for the organization’s programming. The foundation plans to develop consistent events at the historic site while expanding its efforts throughout the Central Valley.

Through charitable contributions, partnerships, and community support, the nonprofit intends to invest in arts, music, theater, history, and community programming. Its plans include creating accessible cultural experiences for people across languages, income levels, ages, and social backgrounds.

“We want people to remember that talented people should not have to leave Fresno in order to reach their full potential,” Sánchez said. “We want the next generation to grow up believing they can create something important here, perform here, build a career here and be celebrated here. MORE Fresno exists to help create the opportunities, spaces and support that make that possible.”

The foundation’s name stands for Memories, Opportunities, Representation, and Expression, reflecting its goals of preserving Fresno’s stories, supporting local talent, and creating more opportunities for cultural expression.

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