Día de los Muertos is a Mexican tradition that dates back around 3,000 years, with roots in pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican cultures such as the Olmec and Aztec. It is one of the most famous and widely celebrated holidays in Mexico and has also gained popularity beyond its borders.
Today, Día de los Muertos—also known as the Day of the Dead—is celebrated in many Latin American countries and in U.S. states with large Mexican communities, such as California and Texas.
The purpose of this Mexican tradition is to honor loved ones who have passed away. It’s a celebration of life and memory, finding joy in remembrance. To honor the dead, families create altars adorned with photos, favorite foods, personal belongings and other meaningful items that reflect the lives of those being remembered.
The meaning behind the altar
An altar, or “ofrenda,” is a central part of Día de los Muertos traditions. Each altar is carefully arranged with symbolic items that honor and welcome the spirits of the departed. Every ofrenda represents the four natural elements: water, wind, earth, and fire.
Getty Images
Getty Images
This is a a Day of the Dead altar at a public shrine in the historic city center of Oaxaca, Mexico.
Papel picado: Colorful, decorative paper banners traditionally used in Mexican celebrations are placed around the altar’s edges. They represent wind, symbolizing the movement of air and the fragility of life.
Candles: Represent fire and are often arranged in the shape of a cross to symbolize the four cardinal directions, so that spirits can find their way to the altar.
Pan de muerto: Represents earth through food offerings. This traditional “bread of the dead,” along with calaveritas de azúcar (sugar skulls) as well as the loved one’s favorite dishes, symbolize the pleasures of life on earth.
Water: A pitcher of water is placed to refresh the spirits after their journey back to the world of the living.
There are various ways to set up an altar. Some people place the altar on a flat surface, while others arrange it into multiple levels. The most common design features three levels, symbolizing heaven, earth and the underworld, from which spirits return to visit their loved ones.
Other iconic symbols of Día de los Muertos:
©fitopardo- Getty Images
©fitopardo- Getty Images
You may also wonder about the many symbols and meanings behind the recognizable icons of Día de los Muertos. Here are some of the most emblematic ones:
Cempasúchil flowers: Also known as “flor de muerto” or marigolds, these bright orange and purple blooms bring color and life to the celebration. They represent earth and grief, and their strong scent is believed to help guide spirits back to their loved ones. Conveniently, they bloom right around the time of the festivities.
La Catrina: A female skeleton dressed as an elegant upper-class woman from the early 1900s. Originally created as social satire, La Catrina has become one of the most recognizable figures of Día de los Muertos, appearing in decorations, art and ofrendas.
Monarch butterflies: These butterflies migrate to Mexico each fall, arriving around Nov. 1, coinciding with the holiday. They are believed to carry the souls of the departed, returning to visit the living during the celebration.
Events around San Diego County:
North County:
Encinitas Día de los Muertos Celebration
Oct. 25 from 12 to 4 p.m. | Mira Costa College, San Elijo Campus
Experience a variety of art-making workshops, artist demonstrations, student exhibitions, live Mariachi and other musical performances at Encinitas’ Day of the Dead celebrations.
24th Annual Oceanside Día de los Muertos Festival
Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Downtown Oceanside
Now in its 24th year, the Día de los Muertos Festival proudly continues its celebration in Downtown Oceanside, honoring culture, community and tradition.
Celebrate Día de los Muertos at Leo Carrillo Ranch
Nov. 1-2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park
Join us for a vibrant weekend honoring Día de los Muertos. The historic adobe hacienda, located in Carlsbad, will be adorned with colorful decorations and a traditional ofrenda dedicated to the Carrillo family.
Annual Día de los Muertos Festival
Nov. 1 from 4 to 9 p.m. | California Center for the Arts, Escondido
Join us for a vibrant celebration of culture, art, and community at the 30th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. This free family-friendly event will bring together traditional and contemporary elements of Día de los Muertos, offering a lively and immersive experience for all ages.
San Diego:
Fiesta de Reyes Día de los Muertos la Experiencia
Oct.1 – Nov.2 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. | Old Town San Diego Historic Park
All day, every day. From Oct.1 to Nov. 2, Fiesta de Reyes in Old Town hosts a lineup of live music and entertainment — offering an experience designed for the whole family.
Barrio Logan Día de los Muertos
Oct. 26 from 12 to 7 p.m. | Barrio Logan Cultural District
The family-friendly event spanning three blocks on the main business corridor will feature a variety of attractions, including food, a bustling market, kids’ workshop and a special screening of “Coco.”
Movie in the park: Coco screening
Nov. 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. | Plaza de Armas
Bring a chair and enjoy the animated Disney film “Coco,” a film that celebrates Día de los Muertos traditions in all its colors. Enjoy hands-on art stations, visit historic altars or create your own sugar skull before the movie starts at 6 p.m.
Sea World Día de los Muertos
Nov. 1 – 2 | SeaWorld San Diego
Immerse yourself in the sights, sound and flavors of this cherished Mexican holiday at SeaWorld, as beautifully adorned Catrina statues greet you and colorful ofrendas pay tribute to loved ones who have passed.
Savor the festive atmosphere with live traditional music and indulge in authentic treats like Tostilocos, pan de muerto, elotes, micheladas and margaritas.
A Community Celebration Old Town: Día de los Muertos
Nov. 1-2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Celebrate Día de Los Muertos at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Throughout the weekend, visitors can explore the museums to see “altares de muertos,” participate in hands-on art activities and sign-up for a sugar skull painting workshop. Visitors are encouraged to honor lost loved one’s by contributing their name to the hanging wooden butterfly feature next to the Community Altar located in the Plaza de Armas in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
Sherman Heights’ 31st Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration
Times and dates vary
The Día de los Muertos celebration at the Sherman Heights Community Center is a week-long community festivity that preserves the Day of the Dead traditions. Festivities run from Oct. to Nov and are open to the public. 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, a procession and a fundraising event.
South Bay:
Día de los Muertos Celebration
Nov. 1 from 3 to 8 p.m. | Downtown Chula Vista
This free community event will include fun for the entire family. A day for the community to come together to honor our loved ones who have passed, while still celebrating life. The celebration includes an Ofrenda Competition, a Catrín & Catrina Ensemble contest, live music and dance performances at four different locations, a car show, kids crafts, artisan vendors at Mercado by Las Jefas Market, treats, delicious food, themed photo ops throughout the neighborhood, a Community Ofrenda and more. Make sure to bring a copy of a photo to pin on the Community Altar at Davidson.