Dia de los Muertos events happening throughout San Diego County
By Rhea Caoile,
3 hours ago
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Sugar skulls, orange marigolds and brightly-decorated ofrendas — or altars to remember loved ones who have died — can be found all throughout San Diego County as the holiday known as Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, approaches.
The holiday was born out of ceremonies practiced by the ancient Aztecs in what is now Mexico and has evolved over time with influence by Spanish conquistadors. Now, it is typically observed around Nov. 1 and 2.
Here are just some of several places to celebrate Dia de los Muertos:
Old Town San Diego
Old Town will have an array of scheduled activities and events this weekend in honor of the holiday. Additionally, there are about 40 ofrendas set up throughout the neighborhood, each uniquely crafted by local businesses and museums. Visitors can find a printable map on the Old Town San Diego website to use on their self-guided tour.
One of these ofrendas is in remembrance of the life and work of former Padres owner and chairman, Peter Seidler. This ofrenda can be found outside Casa Guadalajara , located at 4105 Taylor St., until Saturday.
Above: Last year’s Dia de los Muertos celebrations in Old Town.
Other activities in Old Town include a screening of the animated film, “The Book of Life,” in the Plaza de Armas on Friday from 7-10 p.m. and a candlelit procession at 6 p.m. on Saturday from Immaculate Conception Church to El Campo Santo Cemetery.
The Gaslamp Quarter will transform into a vibrant mercado with arts and crafts, food and live performances. Celebrations will happen Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event is family-friendly and free on both days.
City Heights
The community of City Heights is hosting its annual Dia de los Muertos celebration at Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park, located at 3795 Fairmount Ave. The event, which takes place Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., will have music, live entertainment, ofrendas, a kids zone and more.
Marigold flowers are traditionally used in altars for the celebration of the day of the dead in Mexico. (Adobe Stock/Sergio Hayashi)
Escondido
For folks up in North County, head to the celebrations at the California Center for the Arts Museum at 340 N. Escondido Blvd. A free festival in honor of the holiday is scheduled for Friday from 4-9 p.m. In addition to 180 community altars to observe, there will be an artwalk, food vendors and cultural performances. Plus, there will also be face-painting and crafts for the kids, and a marigold bar serving drinks. The museum will be open with free admission.
Chula Vista
Downtown Chula Vista will host its fourth annual Dia de los Muertos celebration along Third Avenue and within Memorial Park on Saturday. From 3-8 p.m., the family-friendly event will feature food and festivities plus a car show with ofrendas by Impalas Car Club SD . People are invited to bring a copy of a photo of a loved one who has passed to pin on the community altar.
Imperial Beach
For people who reside further south, Imperial Beach is also having its annual Dia de los Muertos community celebration at Veterans Park, located at 1075 Eighth St. It will be held from 4-6:30 p.m. on Friday. Highlights of the event include a community altar, live mariachi music and folklorico dancers. There will also be activities for the kids.
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