Altars feature figurines, flowers, photos, and food. (FILE photo by Chris Stone/Times of San Diego)
Long before it became a colorful public celebration, Día de los Muertos — the Day of the Dead — was a sacred tradition that began in pre-Hispanic Mexico. The Aztecs and other Indigenous peoples believed death was not the end, but part of a continual cycle. When Spanish colonizers arrived in the 16th century, those ancient customs blended with All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day observances to form the holiday as it’s known today: a time to remember loved ones who have passed and to welcome their spirits home with food, music, and light.
In modern times, Día de los Muertos is celebrated across Mexico and the American Southwest, but it holds special meaning in San Diego — a city shaped by deep cultural ties to Baja California and Mexico’s interior. Here, the observances range from family altars tucked into living rooms to large-scale community festivals that fill plazas with marigolds, paper banners, and candlelight.
Each year, from late October through early November, altars — known as ofrendas — begin appearing throughout the region. They are covered with bright orange marigolds (said to guide spirits back to the living), sugar skulls, candles, photos, and offerings of favorite foods and drinks. The atmosphere is reverent but joyful, a blend of remembrance and celebration that reflects the belief that love continues beyond life itself.
In San Diego, the holiday also serves as a reminder of heritage and continuity. Families who have celebrated it for generations often bring children to public events to share the stories behind the traditions. From candlelit processions in Old Town to festive altars in Chula Vista and art installations across the county, Día de los Muertos remains one of the region’s most meaningful cultural observances — uniting the community through shared memory, artistry, and respect for those who came before. Here are some of the places you can celebrate in the area:
Old Town – Día de los Muertos / Fiesta de Reyes “La Experiencia”
Through Nov. 2, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
An immersive, month-long celebration featuring traditional and contemporary altars throughout Fiesta de Reyes, live entertainment, thousands of marigolds, and daily art displays. Nov. 1–2 highlights include sugar skull workshops, hands-on art, a candlelit procession, and Catrina contests. (619) 228-9340 or Fiesta de Reyes
Universidad Popular & Restoration Abbey Workshops
Dates vary throughout October
Hands-on workshops teaching the history of Día de los Muertos, papel picado, sugar skulls, and cempasúchil flowers. Sessions culminate in a community altar and potluck dinner, fostering cultural education and remembrance. (619) 535-9985 or unipopular.org
Spill the Beans – Pan de Muerto Offerings
Oct. 31–Nov. 1, at all five locations: Gaslamp, Seaport Village, Mission Valley, Pacific Beach, and Ocean Beach.
Enjoy Pan de Muerto, the traditional sweet bread baked to honor the departed, available for $4.20 each. Chef Karina Orozco said, “The bread’s round shape symbolizes the cycle of life and death, while the dough strips represent bones and teardrops.” The bread is traditionally placed on altars to guide spirits back to the land of the living.
Downtown Chula Vista – 5th Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration
Nov. 1, 3–8 p.m., Third Avenue, Downtown Chula Vista
This free, family-friendly festival features live music, food, artisan markets, and community altars. Attendees are encouraged to bring photos or mementos to honor loved ones and can participate in altar and Catrina contests. Lowrider car clubs showcase trunk ofrendas for an extra festive touch. (619) 422-1982 or Downtown Chula Vista Association
Corazón de Vida Foundation – Noche de Gala
Nov. 1, 4:30 p.m., Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
A Día de los Muertos–themed fundraising gala supporting orphaned and abandoned children in Baja, Mexico. Includes a champagne reception, silent auction, dinner, live entertainment, and dancing. ndg.givesmart.com, corazondevida.org
Rumorosa – Día de los Muertos Tequila Tasting Dinner
Nov. 1, 6:30–9 p.m., Sheraton San Diego Resort
Celebrate the season with a Cali-Baja–inspired five-course dinner paired with Espolón tequilas. Dishes include Tequila-Cured Hamachi Roll, Charred Zabuton, Cochinita Pibil, and a white chocolate mousse “Calavera.” Tickets are $140 per adult, plus tax and gratuity, available on Eventbrite. Guests booking with code T9767 receive 10% off overnight stays.
Echoes Concert Series
Nov. 1, 4 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, San Diego
Nov. 2, 4 p.m. at San Dieguito United Methodist Church, Encinitas
A concert inspired by All Saints Day and Día de los Muertos, featuring works by Bach, Dan Forrest, and David Conte — blending remembrance with music and celebration.
SeaWorld San Diego – Día de los Muertos Festival
Nov. 1–2, SeaWorld Park
Included with park admission, this festival offers elaborate Catrina statues, colorful altars, themed foods like pan de muerto and elotes, live music, and educational displays about the tradition. SeaWorld San Diego
Quixote – Lafayette Hotel, San Diego
Throughout the season
Oaxacan-inspired mezcalería featuring an altar from an abandoned Mexican church, heirloom grains, artisanal moles, and craft cocktails spotlighting mezcal. The atmospheric setting offers a spiritual, monastic touch fitting for the holiday.
Tips for Visiting
Plan: Popular sites like Old Town and Downtown Chula Vista can get crowded on Nov. 1 to 2. Arrive early or take public transit.
Bring photos or tokens: Many community altars welcome offerings to honor loved ones.
Dress comfortably: Outdoor events often include walking and evening processions.
Engage respectfully: Ask before photographing close-up altars or people.
Support local artisans: Purchases at markets help sustain cultural traditions and the community.
Celebrate with heart: Día de los Muertos is a joyful remembrance — honor the spirit of the occasion with kindness and curiosity.
READ NEXT