Fiesta de Reyes: The Wonder of Día de Muertos

Fiesta de Reyes in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is planning a Día de 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 experience is slated to run from October 15 through November 2. Día de Muertos is traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2 each year.

Día de 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.

The Fiesta de Reyes courtyard at the north end of the state park will be full of 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.

New displays are being added this year with many being at child height and partially hidden, waiting to be discovered. This year, there will be more than 50 unique Día de Muertos displays in Fiesta de Reyes, thousands of marigolds – a traditional flower associated with Día de 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 Día de Muertos altars throughout the plaza.

Fiesta de Reyes is open from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. each day with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Free parking is available throughout Old Town with extra parking available across Taylor Street in the CalTrans parking lot all day on weekend days and after 5 p.m. on weekdays.