Día de Los Muertos: A Community Celebration at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions of Día de Los Muertos at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. This community celebration features stunning altars, engaging art activities, and captivating entertainment. Honor loved ones by contributing to a community altar, participate in a sugar skull workshop, and enjoy a special screening of Disney's 'Coco'.
What to Expect
Community celebration of Día de Los Muertos with interactive altars and art.
Event Details
Duration
Two days
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Old Town
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Food & Drink
Fall-themed food and beverages are available from local vendors.
Local Insight & Ratings
Scare Factor
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, cultural enthusiasts, history buffs
Vibe
Celebratory, cultural, historical, family-friendly
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $$
- Parking: Parking is free in all Old Town San Diego State Historic Park parking lots. Lot 'F' will be closed. Overflow parking is available at the CalTrans Parking Lot at 4300 Taylor Street, San Diego, CA 92110.
- Accessibility: Accessibility improvements are ongoing. Many parks have facilities designed to meet varying abilities. Contact access@parks.ca.gov or (916) 445-8949 for specific questions.
- Pets: Pets are welcome to participate in the Catrina Contest, but general pet policy for the park should be confirmed.
Tips & Advice
- Consider arriving early, especially on Saturday, to fully experience the activities before the movie screening and to secure a good spot.
- Bring a comfortable chair or blanket for the outdoor movie screening of 'Coco' in the Plaza de Armas.
- Prepare a name to contribute to the community altar's butterfly feature to honor a loved one.
- The sugar skull workshop has a material fee; bring cash or check if you plan to participate and want to ensure a spot.
- Explore the historic museums to see the unique _ofrendas_ dedicated to past residents, offering a deeper connection to the park's history.
Special Events & Promotions
- Movie in the Park: Disney's 'Coco'
- 3rd Annual Catrina Contest (split between children and adults)
- Sugar Skull Painting Workshop
- Bilingual Story Time
- 19th Century Magic Lantern Shows
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Día de Los Muertos?
Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a vibrant Mexican holiday where families honor and remember their deceased loved ones through celebrations, altars, and offerings.
Are pets allowed at the event?
While pets can participate in the Catrina Contest, it's advisable to check the general pet policy for Old Town San Diego State Historic Park to ensure compliance.
What is the material fee for the sugar skull workshop?
The sugar skull workshop has a material fee of $10 per skull. These are for decoration and not for consumption.
Can I contribute to the Community Altar?
Yes, visitors are encouraged to honor lost loved ones by contributing their name to the hanging wooden butterfly feature next to the Community Altar.
Is there parking available?
Parking is free in the park's lots, though Lot 'F' will be closed. Overflow parking is available at the CalTrans lot on Taylor Street.
More Halloween Events Near San Diego
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.