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 4th year, the event is slated to run from October 1 through November 2. 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. 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 fill the courtyard with color, and there will be an expanded live entertainment schedule 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. Guests are encouraged to visit Fiesta de Reyes during the two weeks leading up to October 1, to watch the transformation of the plaza as it happens. It’s a chance to watch artistic process that is required to create a spectacular new world. “Fiesta de Reyes is and always has been about family and Dia de los Muertos is a celebration of family, so our goal is to honor that in as big and vibrant way we possibly can,” said Ryan Ross, director of Fiesta de Reyes. “Each year, we add to the celebration to honor the traditions that are such a defining part of the history and culture of San Diego. As always, we want folks to experience the spirit of this important aspect of our history by walking into a different world when they come through our gates.” 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.
