Fiesta De Reyes continues expansion of Day of the Dead Wonderland in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park Fiesta de Reyes in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is planning a Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, celebration like no other in San Diego – a free, family-friendly immersive experience designed to bring the spirit of this traditional annual Mexican and South American celebration to life for San Diegans of all ages. The anchor concession in the state park, Fiesta de Reyes has become renowned as a vibrant hub for celebrations that honor the multicultural traditions of the San Diego region. Dubbed Dia de los Muertos – La Experiencia and now in its 3rd year, the event is slated to run from October 1 through November 3. Dia de los Muertos is traditionally celebrated on November 1st and 2nd each year. Dia de los Muertos is a community-wide celebration of the history, Hispanic culture and rich heritage of the region. It is at this time of year that the spirits of loved ones who have died are thought to return to Earth to celebrate with friends and family. It is traditionally a time to gather and celebrate and remember the lives of those who are no longer with us. Throughout the month of October, the Fiesta de Reyes courtyard at the north end of the state park will be filled with fanciful, humorous, and visually stimulating décor, offered as tributes to many of San Diego’s early citizens. Many life-sized Catrina skeleton dolls in fancy dress, and many larger-than-life size, hold court at Fiesta de Reyes throughout the event. More displays are being added this year including some that honor the long-forgotten European connection to Day of the Dead. This year, there will be more than 60 unique Dia de los Muertos displays in Fiesta de Reyes, thousands of marigolds – a traditional flower associated with Dia de los Muertos – will garner the courtyard, and live entertainment on the Fiesta de Reyes stage. Staff will dress in festive attire associated with Day of the Dead and merchants will host both traditional and more contemporary Dia de los Muertos altars throughout the plaza. Both Casa de Reyes Restaurant and Barra Barra Saloon will feature special menu selections throughout the run of the event. Visit: https://www.fiestadereyes.com/ddlm/ Fiesta de Reyes on Facebook

The 23rd Annual Día de los Muertos in Downtown Oceanside will be held on October 27, 2024, with altars, arts & crafts, por siempre car show, a chalk cemetery and more! Visit: https://www.friendsofoceansidediadelosmuertos.org/ Oceanside Dia de los Muertos on Instagram and Facebook

This free, family-friendly event spanning three blocks on the main business corridor will feature a variety of attractions including delicious food, a bustling market, engaging kids workshops and activities, a special screening of COCO, and captivating live performances by Tropa Mágica, Maíz, Cumbia Machine, Mariachi, baile folklorico, danzantes, and much more! From South to North, East to West, and everything in-between, magical enclaves form the landscape known as Mexico where legends and stories are carried on from generation to generation as woven threads that form the fabric of Mexicos National identity. Known as "Pueblos Magicos" these enclaves are sacred spaces where time stops and the past remains in the present. Barrio Logan, an enclave with its own legends and stories that have been passed down for generations, is yet another thread from the same fabric that stretches across and defies made-up border lines and artificial walls. The Barrio is a time capsule where traditions and stories are carried on as a means of self-preservation; it is our very own BARRIO MAGICO. Visit: https://www.allforlogan.com/about-1-2

The Downtown Chula Vista Association is thrilled to welcome back the 4th Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration on Saturday, November 2 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friends and family of all ages are welcome to experience the vibrant and heartwarming tradition of cherishing the memories of our departed loved ones. Set against the backdrop of Downtown Chula Vista, the Día de los Muertos Celebration promises an array of activations such as a community altar, Las Jefas market with curated bites, sips, and goods, an altar contest, live music, a car show, dance performances, kids activities, and much more. Similar to years past, the public is invited to take part in the altar building contest which will be judged and voted on based on who had the best altar towards the end of the event. The best altars will win special prizes, so start preparing now! To sign-up for the contest, please click here. Visit: https://downtownchulavista.com/events/dia-de-los-muertos-celebration Downtown Chula Vista on Instagram and Facebook

From the organizers: The Día de los Muertos celebration at the Sherman Heights Community Center is a weeks-long community festivity that preserves the Day of the Dead tradition, itself a millennial practice. This celebration began in 1994, when Sr. Sandoval, a local resident approached the Center requesting a space to create an altar in honor of his loved ones during Día de los Muertos. Over the years the festivity has grown to include onsite community altars, front-yard altars throughout the neighborhood, craft workshops, online tutorials and videos, an activity guide, student tours and food tastings, a procession and fundraising event. The tradition is a joyous occasion when the memory of our ancestors and the continuity of life is celebrated. Festivities run from mid Oct. - Nov. 2 and are open to the public. Sherman Heights Community Center on Facebook / Instagram

From the organizers: Immerse yourself! Every annual Dia de los Muertos celebration in San Diego has its charm and its provenance. The City Heights festival is no exception, and has grown over a span of twenty-seven years from an event that started as a school project to an event which now receives over 1,000 San Diego residents,exhibiting over thirty family and non-profit altars. The City Heights Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a grassroots event where people of all cultures come together to celebrate the lives of their friends and relatives who have passed away. When the door of the Performance Annex rises, the performances begin with music spilling over the stage and swelling throughout the audience on the park lawn. Enjoy Rick and Friends (who carry on the legacy of Chunky Sanchez' music--Chunky was Rick's brother,) Mariachi Victoria, and introducing Hoover High Mariachi. Dance abounds for every taste from San Diego Ballet to Baile Folklorico Sabor a mi Tierra (new this year) to the Azteca Dancers. Theater for all ages is given by The Old Globe, and Fern St. Circus. Come dressed for the Catrin/Catrina contest, a free raffle, street food, and children's/familily activities including a fun zone: Join in creating masks with San Diego Guild of Puppetry, and take a drumming lesson from Drummers Wiithout Borders, and drum in a colorful parade with giant banners for the whole family. Be dazzled by fifteen low riders from Dead End Car Club, and United Family Car Club.