Where to celebrate Día de los Muertos 2023 in San Diego

Old Town, Barrio Logan, and Chula Vista will host special community events to pay tribute to loved ones who have passed.

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Don’t miss the celebration in downtown Chula Vista on Saturday, Oct. 28.

Photo via Downtown Chula Vista Association

The Mexican holiday of Día de los Muertos fondly remembers loved ones who have died. Celebrate at these local community gatherings:

  • Downtown Oceanside’s Día de los Muertos Festival on Sunday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., will feature a car show and chalk cemetery where you can memorialize a loved one.
  • Otay Ranch Town Center in the South Bay will host a Day of the Dead community altar Friday, Oct. 27-Thursday, Nov. 2, where the public can place flowers in honor of their loved ones.
  • Downtown Chula Vista will host its Día de los Muertos Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 28, 3-8 p.m., featuring live performances, food vendors, and an altar — aka ofrenda — competition.
  • Casa Guadalajara and Bazaar del Mundo in Old Town will offer face painting on Saturday, Oct. 28 + Sunday, Oct. 29, 1-7 p.m., plus mariachi, art, and an elaborate altar in the courtyard.

A Dia de los Muertos altar at El Campo Santo Cemetery in Old Town.

Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday

  • Barrio Logan’s Espírítu de Xochímílco on Sunday, Oct. 29, 12-7 p.m., will include family-friendly workshops, food vendors, a “Coco” screening, and live entertainment.
  • Encinitas’ celebration on Sunday, Oct. 29, 12-4 p.m., at Mira Costa College’s San Elijo Campus will include ballet folklorico dancers, mariachi, sugar skull decorating, face painting, and art-making workshops.
  • Mid-City’s Camino de las Almas at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1, will feature face painting, mariachi, and a procession down El Cajon Boulevard.
  • Old Town San Diego will host its sundown candlelight procession along San Diego Avenue on Thursday, Nov. 2, ending at El Campo Santo Cemetery.
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Monica is based in San Diego, California. She was previously a senior digital media producer and podcast host at NBC 7 San Diego + The Scene, and has been in the news biz since 2005. She loves hiking, the beach, and family days with her husband and two kids.
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