Every year, Old Town San Diego transforms into a vibrant tapestry of color, art, and tradition for Día de Los Muertos. Among the many community efforts, one of the most captivating displays is found at Fiesta de Reyes. This year, the Old Town staff got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what goes into creating one of the most stunning Day of the Dead installations in the neighborhood, and what we discovered was nothing short of incredible.
Walking into the heart of Fiesta de Reyes, we were greeted by a whirlwind of creativity. It’s clear that these intricate displays are the result of countless hours of labor and passion. We had the opportunity to meet some of the talented artists and staff who work tirelessly to honor this special celebration and learned what it takes to keep this tradition alive and evolving.
The Creative Visionary: Eric Minella
First, we caught up with Eric Minella, the Artistic Director and lead designer at Fiesta de Reyes. As he guided us through the maze of altars and artwork, it became apparent that Eric doesn’t just oversee the displays—he lives and breathes them. “I work on Día de Los Muertos art year-round,” he shared, gesturing to a newly completed skull he had just finished painting. From drafting blueprints to constructing life-sized skeletons, Eric’s hands are on every piece of this massive project.
“This isn’t just a job—it’s a passion,” Eric said. “Every year, we push the boundaries a little more, making sure each display tells a unique story.” We watched in awe as he put the finishing touches on a newly erected altar, his attention to detail transforming it from a simple structure into a profound tribute.
A Master of Color: Renée Tay
No Día de Los Muertos display at Fiesta de Reyes would be complete without the vibrant artistry of Renée Tay. Renée, a local gallery artist, has been working her magic here since 2009. Renée’s work is a staple not just during Día de Los Muertos but year-round, with her art featured throughout the property.
Murals and Magic: Michael LeBold
Our tour took a larger-than-life turn when we met muralist and foam sculptor Michael LeBold, standing in front of a giant skull that seemed to grin down at us. Michael’s award-winning murals can be found all over San Diego, but his work at Fiesta de Reyes is truly a labor of love.
“I love taking something like foam, which is so mundane, and turning it into something that makes people stop and stare,” Michael said, stepping back to admire his creation.
A Hidden Gem: Celeste Robinson
Next, we found Celeste Robinson, brush in hand, deep in concentration. A culinary artist by trade, Celeste brings her artistic eye to the Día de Los Muertos displays, adding the perfect splash of color to every figure she touches. “I love being part of this team,” she said. “It’s not just about painting—it’s about telling a story.”
The Unseen Heroes
Of course, it takes a village to create something this spectacular. As we moved behind the scenes, we saw the many unsung heroes at work, making sure every element was just right. Katie Huetinck and Monica Walker were busy sorting decorations, while Gwen Annese and Alexis Ross assembled skeleton figures with precision and care. Hiro Shimisaki and Lisa Mookini worked tirelessly to organize props, and Bob Conlin lent his skills to set construction.
“We’re all here because we love what we do,” Lisa told us with a smile. “It’s a community effort, and seeing everything come together is always the best part.”
A Team Effort
Even the staff from Casa de Reyes restaurant pitches in, helping to bring the displays to life. From maintenance crews ensuring everything is secure to servers lending a hand with setup, everyone at Fiesta de Reyes takes pride in making this celebration one of Old Town’s most cherished traditions.
A Celebration Worth Experiencing
Leaving the workshop and stepping back into the main courtyard, we couldn’t help but see the displays in a new light. The artistry and dedication behind each piece are truly inspiring. Día de Los Muertos is more than just a holiday here—it’s a shared labor of love, a celebration of life, memory, and community.
So, the next time you visit Old Town for Día de Los Muertos, take a moment to appreciate not just the vibrant colors and intricate altars, but also the hands that created them. The team at Fiesta de Reyes pours their heart into every detail, making it one of the most extraordinary tributes in San Diego.
Be sure to come back in December to see the next evolution of their artistry—a celebration that is ever-changing, yet always rooted in the same spirit of creativity, tradition, and love.
Fiesta de Reyes is open from 11am until 9pm each day with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Free parking is available throughout Old Town with extra parking available across Taylor Street in the Caltrans parking lot all day on weekend days and after 5pm on weekdays.
For information and a complete schedule of events, visit www.fiestadereyes.com/ddlm.
