SAN DIEGO — The popular celebration of Día De Los Muertos around the world is around the corner. It's a time to honor and remember the people in our lives we've lost, in a really beautiful way.
"It's beautiful," Victor Cisneros said, about the Old Town display.
The artist himself, Eric Minella said, "I hear a lot more oos and ahhs when people walk into Fiesta de Reyes.
From the vibrant marigolds to intricate detail on each sugar skull and skeleton, Día De Los Muertos or Day Of The Dead is an annual tradition to celebrate those who have passed on.
"I have five brothers, 3 are already gone," Cisneros added. He is now teaching the tradition to his granddaughter Adriana.
The eight-year-old said, "I know you get to celebrate your family and go to the cemetery where they're at."
We are all invited to build an altar - an ofrenda - to display photos, cards, candles and a few of their favorite things.
"For example, my dad liked to drink coffee and my mom, she liked tea. They pass away and you put things they loved," Cisneros said.
In Old Town, Day Of The Dead is celebrated all month long, but it's traditionally a two-day event on November 1 and 2. The first day is for children who've died, and the second is for all souls.
"Whether you see it as a religious experience, or take part in the public holiday aspect, everyone can get behind honoring and remembering our deceased loved ones," Minella added.
Death can often be dark and scary but the Día De Los Muertos way is bright and still so full of life.
"With these skeletons in beautiful dresses, it's a reminder that death comes for all of us, death isn't something to be feared, it's part of life and we invite those spirits to come back this time of year," Minella said.
Its origins are thought to have come from ancient Aztec roots where indigenous festivities were similar in spirit to what we see today, however some historians think it may have gone even further back to Medevil European practices before the 20th century. Others can thank Disney Pixar.
"It honestly just came from the movie Coco and I did a little bit of research. To have someone remember you is the most important part," Chelsea Chang said, who was also in Old Town Friday.
Día De Los Muertos Celebrations in San Diego
Old Town
- Ofrenda (altar) tours
- Discover beautifully crafted altars created by San Diego businesses and museums.
- Weekend Mercardo
- Nov. 2 and Nov. 3 the weekend market will feature Día de los Muertos must-haves, fine crafts and activities for the family.
- Movie in the park featuring "The Book of Life"
- Nov. 1 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.
WATCH: Preparations for Día de los Muertos celebration in Old Town:
San Ysidro
Día de Los Muertos story time and sugar skull craft kicks off on Monday at the San Ysidro Library branch and will be offered at multiple libraries.
Chula Vista
- 3rd Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration
- Nov. 2 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. 19 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
- Dia De Muertos Celebration In Barrio Logan
- Oct. 27, 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. 27, 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
Oceanside
- 23rd Annual Día de los Muertos in Downtown Oceanside
- Oct. 27 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.