SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Several celebrations are set around San Diego to honor loved ones this November for Día de los Muertos.
Día de los Muertos, translated from Spanish to English to mean "Day of the Dead," is an annual celebration in which families can honor and remember loved ones who have died. Families will often come together to offer hospitality to the spirits during this Mexican tradition.
The event covers Nov. 1 - 2. On the first day, it's believed that the souls of children return — because they come back faster — and adults return the next day. Graves of loved ones are cleaned, and altars are built and decorated with photos, favorite foods or drinks, stories, and mementos to honor them.
In San Diego, Day of the Dead weekend will be filled with several community-wide celebrations:
Nov. 1
24th annual Día de los Muertos Festival
Where: California Center for the Arts, Escondido; Cost: Free
(Nov. 1 - 4) Celebrate Día de los Muertos in Escondido with altars, live music, arts and crafts with sugar skulls and face painting, theater, and more over four days filled with family activities.
Día de los Muertos at San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Where: San Diego Zoo Safari Park; Cost: $46 - $56 (one-day admission)
(Nov. 1 - 3) The Safari Park will host Spanish language tram times, kid-friendly activities, festival foods, face painting, dancing, and more in celebration of Día de los Muertos.
Day of the Dead at Bazaar Del Mundo
Where: Bazaar del Mundo and Casa Guadalajara; Cost: Free
(Nov. 1 - 3) The shops at Bazaar del Mundo host a special Día de los Muertos celebrating with face painting, holiday-themed artwork, altar displays, free family-friendly activities, and authentic foods for guests.
Nov. 2
Old Town Día de los Muertos
Where: Old Town San Diego; Cost: Free
(Nov. 2 - 3) Old Town will celebrate Día de los Muertos across the entire weekend, with many restaurants offering special holiday menus and live music, altars for family tributes, activities for the entire family, and more along San Diego Avenue.
Día de los Muertos at Albaca
Where: Coronado Island Marriott Resort; Cost: $35 - $70
Chef Aaron Obregon is cooking up a sensational menu of foods to celebrate Día de los Muertos, featuring regional dishes from different Mexican cities, a mezcal and tequila tasting, and delicious views of the San Diego Bay.
Nov. 3
Axis: Day of the Dead Celebration
Where: The Old Globe Theater; Cost: Free
The Old Globe will host a weekend full of activities including arts and crafts, face painting, a drumming workshop, mini parade, singing and dancing, and more for families.
Carrera de los Muertos San Diego
Where: Embarcadero Park South; Cost: $42 - $79
Lace up your shoes for a special Día de los Muertos run with mariachi, dancers, and delicious food at the end of a 5K or 10K run.
