Presented by Old Town San Diego State Historic Park and the Old Town San Diego Chamber of Commerce
Key Dates
- November 1 – Free Screening of “The Book of Life” – 7-9pm (Fun pre-movie activities 4-7pm)
- November 2 – Día de Los Muertos Festival – 11am-8pm
- November 3 – Día de Los Muertos Festival – 11am-6pm
Old Town San Diego, CA – Join us for a vibrant and meaningful celebration of Día de Los Muertos in Old Town San Diego from November 1-3, 2024. This weekend-long event is a beautiful tribute to those who have passed, with activities for all ages and opportunities to learn about this deeply rooted cultural tradition.
Throughout the weekend, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park will be home to altares de muertos (altars of the dead), commemorating influential Old Town citizens. Visitors can participate in hands-on art activities and even sign up for a sugar skull painting workshop (materials fee applies). In the spirit of remembrance, guests are invited to contribute names of their lost loved ones to the Community Altar in the Plaza de Armas, where names will be added to a hanging wooden butterfly display.
A highlight of the celebration is a free community screening of “The Book of Life” presented by Summer Movies in the Park and the County of San Diego on Friday, November 1, at 7:00 PM in the Plaza de Armas.
Community-Wide Activities: Beyond the park, Old Town San Diego will host Self-Guided Tours of over 40 altars throughout the month of October. On Saturday, November 2 and Sunday, November 3, visitors can enjoy art and craft shopping along San Diego Avenue and Harney Street, featuring unique Día de Los Muertos items and family-friendly activities. Be sure not to miss the candlelit procession on Saturday, November 2, starting at 6:00 PM on San Diego Avenue. This procession will include blessings and traditional dances by Danza Azteca Atlachinolli, concluding at the historic El Campo Santo Cemetery.
Many local restaurants will also feature live music and face painting, making this a full sensory experience of Old Town San Diego’s rich cultural offerings.
Parking and Transportation:
Free parking is available at the CalTrans Parking Lot at 4050 Taylor Street after 5:00 PM on Friday and all day on Saturday and Sunday. For those looking to avoid traffic, Old Town is easily accessible via public transit. The Old Town Transit Center connects to the San Diego MTS Blue & Green Line Trolleys, local bus lines, North County Transit Coaster, and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner.
Celebrate life and honor loved ones at this immersive cultural experience. We look forward to seeing you in Old Town San Diego for a festive weekend that’s fun for the whole family!
For more information, visit www.oldtownsandiego.org/ddlm or call (619) 228-9340.
