SAN DIEGO — Dozens of Día de los Muertos celebrations are scheduled in October and November across San Diego County.
Here are some Day of the Dead events you won’t want to miss.
What's Día de los Muertos?
The message of the pre-Hispanic ritual established more than 3,000 years ago is clear. Those who passed are alive in our memories.
To welcome them each year, on Nov. 1 and 2, family members build altars known as ofrendas to honor dead relatives and loved ones. During the beginning of November, the spirits of those lost are believed to return home. Nov. 1 honors deceased children, and Nov. 2 focuses on adults.
The two-day holiday typically falls on All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day on the Catholic calendar. Born out of practices done by the indigenous peoples of the Americas and Catholic traditions from when the Spanish conquered Mexico - Día de los Muertos is a blend of both.
Chula Vista
- Day of the Dead Altar
- Starting Oct. 27- Nov. 2. place a flower with the name of your loved one at the altar.
- 3rd Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration
- Oct. 28 from 3:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m. Free community event for the entire family in Downtown Chula Vista. Event includes a community altar, altar competition, live music, performances, food and vendors.
National City
- Día de Los Muertos Celebration
- Oct. 21 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The free event at Westfield Plaza Bonita mall features a vibrant celebration made up of live performances, Aztec dancers, mariachi, face painting and more.
Barrio Logan
- 1st Annual Dia De Muertos Celebration In Barrio Logan
- Oct. 29, 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Barrio Logan Cultural District. This is a free, family-friendly event highlighting the rich culture, traditions, and art of our vibrant community. Enjoy delicious food, a bustling market, engaging kids activities and workshops, a special screening of COCO, and captivating live performances by Tropa
Magica, Maiz, Cumbia Machin, Mariachi, Baile Folklorico, Danzantes.
- Oct. 29, 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Barrio Logan Cultural District. This is a free, family-friendly event highlighting the rich culture, traditions, and art of our vibrant community. Enjoy delicious food, a bustling market, engaging kids activities and workshops, a special screening of COCO, and captivating live performances by Tropa
Old Town
- Ofrenda (altar) tours
- Discover beautifully crafted altars created by San Diego businesses and museums.
- Weekend Mercardo
- Oct. 28 and Oct. 29 the weekend market will feature Día de los Muertos must-haves, fine crafts and activities for the family.
- Movie in the park featuring Disney Pixar's "Coco"
- Oct. 28 starting at 7 p.m. in Plaza de Armas, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
- La Experiencia at Fiesta de Reyes
Oct. 10 Nov. 2 celebrate with face painters, art demonstrations, live entertainment, altars and more. Check out the full schedule here.
Oceanside
- 22nd Annual Día de los Muertos in Downtown Oceanside
- Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friends of Oceanside will hold its annual celebration for the whole family. The event will include altars, car show, chalk cemetery, live entertainment and more.
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