Old Town San Diego celebrates Día de los Muertos with music, art and tradition

A celebration full of life took over Old Town San Diego as hundreds of colorful decorations, traditional music and heartfelt tributes helped families honor loved ones who have died.

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday that brings families and communities together to celebrate the lives and memories of those no longer with us.

“Death is such a hard topic, but when you bring in music and tradition and livelihood, it kind of puts a different spin on it,” said Amanda Baca, who attended the celebration with her son.

Old Town has hosted its Día de los Muertos celebration for 15 years, with organizers saying the historic neighborhood is the perfect setting for an event centered on remembering the past.

“It’s the holiday where we come together to honor those lost. What’s a better place than where we do this 365 days a year,” said Alex Ward, the executive director of the Old Town San Diego Chamber of Commerce.

Throughout the celebration, approximately 40 to 50 altars, known as ofrendas, were set up to honor those who have died. The displays included personal tributes to family members and one dedicated to country music icon Dolly Parton.

Visitors were treated to an immersive cultural experience featuring live performances, colorful decorations, elaborate costumes, face painting, traditional Mexican food and crafts.

Among the activities was a sugar skull decorating workshop hosted by Carolina Selaya.

Sugar skulls are a traditional part of Día de los Muertos and are commonly placed on ofrendas to honor loved ones who have died.

For Selaya, the tradition holds special meaning. She remembers her grandmother giving her her first sugar skull, a memory that inspired her to share the experience with others.

“I just feel great that I can share this experience with everyone that comes to Old Town,” Selaya said.

While the holiday is rooted in remembering those who have passed away, it’s also an opportunity to celebrate life and find comfort in knowing that grief and loss are experiences everyone shares.

“We all experience this, and you put a smile on your face and realize that your loved ones are not really gone if they are in your heart,” one participant said.

For families celebrating in Old Town, Día de los Muertos is more than a holiday. It’s a chance to keep memories alive, celebrate generations of tradition and honor the people who will always hold a place in their hearts.

The Old Town event runs through November 2 and ends with a traditional candlelight walk, starting at 5:00PM from the park area to El Campo Santo Cemetery.