

Oct. 28 & 29, 2023
11am - 8pm
Old Town is getting ready to come alive this fall to celebrate the Day of the Dead! Old Town San Diego’s Día de los Muertos is the place to celebrate the lives of loved ones that have passed on but return to be remembered on this important holiday. The celebration is held the weekend before the actual date of November 1st and 2nd. The weekend is a celebration of the history, culture, and heritage of the region that honors one of its most important holidays. It is believed that at this time that the spirits of loved ones who have died return to earth to celebrate with friends and family, during this happy, festive, very artistic, and visually stimulating time, which is not in any way to be confused with Halloween.
Tour of Altars
You will find Altars or ofrendas at most of the businesses in Old Town. Many businesses will be decorated and there will be a public altar at El Campo Santo cemetery on San Diego Avenue. It dates back to the early 1800’s and is the resting place for many famous people. The Day of the Dead celebration began in Old Town in 2012. Many other communities have joined in but Old Town is the most authentic and the only community that has a procession to the cemetery on November 2nd. Come and get your face painted which is the tradition and enjoy food and entertainment throughout the community. The best place to celebrate the lives of your loved ones that have passed on.
Save time & enjoy the ride to and from the event, take public transportation! https://www.sdmts.com/
November 2, 2023
Dusk - 8pm
November 1st is “El Dia de los Inocentes” or the Day of the Children and also known as All Saints Day. November 2nd is All Souls Day or the actual Dia de los Muertos. According to tradition, the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on October 31st and the spirits of children can rejoin their families for 24 hours. The event consists of three major themes: Remembrance, Community and Celebration. Some believe that the spirits come back in the form of the Monarch butterfly which come in droves to some parts of Mexico.
Maps
A map of altars around Old Town will be available at various locations in Old Town. The map also includes entertainment, face painting, crafts and more.
Click on the MAP below to get a pdf form that you will be able to print.
The proceedes from this event benefit the Old Town Fourth Grade Program. We bring the kid’s to Old Town. Learn more click on the logo above.
