Día de los Muertos Events
Día de los Muertos is usually a two-day celebration on November 1st and 2nd from Mexican culture that commemorates deceased loved ones with prayers and remembrances. It is also known as Day of the Dead, or All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day. The holiday is gaining popularity year after year in the US and here the holiday takes place from late October to early November each year. It is believed that the dead are able to cross the barrier of the spirit world and reunite with living loved ones during this time. Those who celebrate, visit cemeteries and construct ofrendas, or altars, that are often decorated with marigolds, toys, pan de muerto (bread of dead), calaveras (sugar skulls), and photos of the deceased to awaken their soul and attract them to the offerings. Since it originally began in Mexico nearly 3,000 years ago, this spiritual holiday is being observed more frequently in the United States. (Event dates are subject to change)
November 1 – Dia de Los Muertos Festival at California Center for the Arts, Escondido 1-4pm. Includes an ArtWalk, chalk mural, delicious food by El Rey Tacos al Vapor, DJ, face painting, live music, and traditional altars (ofrendas) www.artcenter.org
October 10 – November 2 – Dia de los Muertos Festival in Sherman Heights downtown San Diego at 2258 Island Avenue. 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. 2nd and are open to the public. events@historicbarriodistrict.org
October 13 – Dia de Los Muertos festival happens once again in Whittier, CA. Los Muertos Uptown is one of the largest Southern California Day of the Dead Celebrations! This year’s celebration will be held at Casita del Pueblo and the surrounding blocks. Celebrate their Annual Día de los Muertos Art & Music Festival in Whittier. The event is a family fun event with alters, dancing, live music, food, art, costume and alter contests, and low rider cars with alters. www.casitadelpueblo.org/pages/los-muertos-festival
October 15 – Mosaic Day of The Dead making sugar skull creations with mosaic tiles. Join mosaic artist, David Jarvinen as he hosts a Sugar Skull mosaic workshop, a captivating piece that combines artistry and cultural symbolism. Our project is a 6″ x 6″ square and comes with an embossed skull design to stimulate creativity. Perfect for hobbyists and art enthusiasts alike, this Sugar Skull mosaic adds a touch of flair and cultural significance to any environment. The combination of the sugar skull motif and the materials encapsulates the rich traditions and celebratory nature of Dia de los Muertos. at Sherman Library and Gardens, Corona Del Mar 949-673-1880.
October 19 – Dia de los Muertos at La Colonia Park, Solana Beach 11am-5pm. Solana Beach’s annual Día de los Muertos – “Day of the Dead” – will be held on Saturday, October 19th from 10 AM to 5 PM at La Colonia Park, 715 Valley Avenue. Each year, our event features a unique theme, and this year, we’re proudly paying tribute to the Pachuco era, a significant and enduring part of Chicano history. The Pachuco era is a symbol of resilience, style, and identity, and we’re excited to explore and celebrate this important chapter in our heritage.
This free family-friendly community event offers many exciting cultural opportunities for the whole family, including Ballet Folklórico Grupo Jalisciense, a Classic Car Show by Viejitos Car Club, musical performances by Santana Soul, Smooth Groove band and Mariachi Del Mar. Other fun activities for the whole family will include Piñatas for kids, a Catrin/Catrina costume contest, a dog costume contest, a face mask contest and free kids activities, such as crafts and a scavenger hunt. The highlight of the event will be more than 40 altars honoring the memories of family and friends who have passed away. The blessing of the altars by the Aztec Dancers Danza Coatlique Ceminitzli begins at 9:30 AM. Delicious and authentic Mexican American food and beverages will be available for sale. www.cityofsolanabeach.org
October 26 – Rady Shell Dia de los Muertos w Mariachi Los Camperos. Celebrate Día de los Muertos with Mariachi Los Camperos at San Diego’s beautiful waterfront venue, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. Mariachi Los Camperos, led by Jesus “Chuy” Guzman, is considered by many to be among the finest mariachi ensembles in the world. Mariachi Los Camperos invites you for an evening honoring Día de los Muertos and the Golden Era of Mariachi music with composers and singers such as Agustin Lara, Maria Grever, Javier Solis and Manuel M. Ponce to more contemporary musicians like Juan Gabriel, Vicente Fernandez and many more.
October 26 – Day of the Dead at Mt. San Jacinto College, 28237 La Piedra Road, Menifee, CA The festival is from 4 to 8pm. The FREE Dia De Los Muertos celebration is a family-friendly event that celebrates, educates, and showcases cultural traditions through live music, dance performances, children activities, traditional food, and retail vendors
October 27 – Friends of Oceanside returns to downtown Oceanside with the 23rd annual Día de los Muertos Festival. There are elaborate ofrendas on display, and visitors can honor loved ones with image dedications, flowers, and candles in the interactive chalk cemetery. There is live music, dancing, lots of great food, arts and crafts, and children can enjoy a special kids area with activities. Visitors won’t want to miss the Por Siempre Car Show, which includes a blessing of cars. Call (760) 845-9350 or visit www.friendsofoceansidediadelosmuertos.org .
October 27 – Barrio Logan (San Diego)
October 28 – City Heights celebrates the 26th anniversary of their Día de los Muertos celebration from 10am to 5pm at Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park. More than 30 family altars are on display. There is live entertainment, including music and performances by ballet folklorico and dance Azteca dancers. Attendees can enter to win raffle prizes, and families can enjoy a fun zone complete with bounce houses and face painting. Visit www.facebook.com/cityheightsdiadelosmuertos.
October 27 – Mira Costa College, Encinitas – Dia de los Muertos takes place at the San Elijo Campus from 12-4pm. Presented by Encinitas Friends of the Arts, there will be art making, workshops, artist demos, food vendors, drawings, giveaways, and car club trunk alters. Free event!
October 29 – Encinitas Friends of the Arts presents the 10th annual Encinitas Día de los Muertos event at Encinitas Community and Senior Center. The celebration features art workshops and demonstrations, ballet folklorico dancers, mariachi bands, a face painting contest, displays from Callejeros de Encinitas Car Club, food trucks, and a community ofrenda. Visit www.encinitasarts.org.
October 29 – Mercado de Arte at north side across from market and Trolly stop in Old Town
November 2-3 – Leo Carrillo Ranch in Carlsbad once again has an elaborate ofrenda on display, as well as some decorations in the Carrillo hacienda, to honor the family. The park is open from 9am to 5pm daily. The Carrillo hacienda is open as much as possible, with the exception of weddings and special events. The hacienda is open to the public all day for Día de los Muertos. Leo Carrillo Ranch is located at 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Lane, Carlsbad. Call (760) 476-1042 or visit www.carrillo-ranch.org.
November 1-3 – SeaWorld presents Dia De Los Muertos. This fun family event brings together the flavors and sounds of an old family-centric Mexican tradition. Dia De Los Muertos will follow Howl-O-Scream and Halloween Spooktacular that take place throughout October.
October 14 – Poway OnStage presents the vibrant celebration of Dia de Los Muertos hits the stage with Jarabe Mexicano in concert! This extraordinary ensemble ignites the atmosphere with the rich and cultural sounds of Mexican music that honor the past while embracing the present. Concert begins at 7:30pm Jarabe Mexicano beautifully captures the nostalgic spirit of their roots, blending traditional melodies with a modern twist. Their lively and unforgettable performance showcases an eclectic mix of genres, from Mariachi and Bolero to Cumbia and Rock, creating a truly unique musical experience.Visit www.powayonstage.org.
November 2 – Downtown Chula Vista transforms into a beautiful and lively cempacuchil-filled Dia de los Muertos celebration from 3-8pm. This 3rd annual free community event has fun for the whole family. The celebration includes: Alter Contest and Catrin/Catrina Ensemble Contest for cash prizes! Enjoy music and dance from three different stages, crafts, treats, delicious food. Festival hours are from 3pm to 8pm. For more information www.downtownchulavista.com
November 2-3 – Liberty Station Dia de Los Muertos. Dia de los Muertos San Diego transforms the historic neighborhood of Liberty Station into a bustling mercado with artisan makers, vibrant décor, dozens of dining options, bountiful margarita selections, and live performances throughout the weekend.
November 2 – Dia De Los Deftones (Day of the Dead show) returns to Petco Park for a celebration of music and culture. Dia de los Deftones returns to Petco Park on Saturday, November 2! IDLES, Sunny Day Real Estate (performing Diary in its entirety), HEALTH, Paris Texas, Duster, Gel, and Qendresa will be joining Deftones for this year’s celebration of music and culture.
November 2 – Dia de los Muertos at Lake Elsinore, from 4pm to 9pm on Main Street 16279 Grand Ave. Free cultural event with Catrina Procession, music, dance, food and vendors. There will be Low Rider cars with alters and a costume contest. There will also be amazing original art and alters.
November 2-3 Old Town San Diego – Celebrating its 14th year the 2024 annual Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead celebration returns for a weekend of free music, food, and culture on Saturday, November 2, 2024 from 10:30 am-8 pm and Sunday, Nov. 3rd, from 10:30 am -7 pm. This family friendly Cultural event, began in Old Town, and now will transform the historic downtown neighborhood of the Gaslamp into a bustling mercado with artisan makers, vibrant décor, dozens of dining options, bountiful margarita selections, and live performances throughout the weekend. The Gaslamp offers more parking, and an unparalleled vibrant street scene.
Date TBD – Viva la Vida – Santa Ana. During this annual festival community members pay tribute to loved ones by building beautiful altars adorned with photos, flowers, special foods, and candles. Each item holds a special meaning and significance. The streets will be lined with beautiful memories and the air will be alive with a celebration of life that only Dia de los Muertos can provide. As the day turns to night, la Catrina emerges among a procession visiting each altar, lighting the first candle in a beautiful ceremony. The glow of the candlelight transforms the scene and transports you to a magical land.
www.vivalavidasantaana.org
November 2 – Dia de Los Muertos at St. Isadore Historical Plaza, Los Alamitos, from 2pm to 9pm. Alter contest, Costume contest, with great food and entertainment! www.stisidorehistoricalplaza.org
