Old Town San Diego’s Día de Los Muertos celebration brings an abundance of vibrant, hands-on activities that welcome families and children of all ages to honor this cherished Mexican tradition. From creative workshops and live performances to cultural tours, there’s something special for every child to enjoy throughout the event. Here’s a look at what you can look forward to with your family this Día de Los Muertos in Old Town:
Friday, November 1: Free Screening of The Book of Life
Kick off the celebration with a family movie night under the stars! The beloved animated film The Book of Life will be shown for free at 7 pm, offering a lively and heartfelt introduction to Día de Los Muertos themes. Grab your blankets and popcorn, and settle in for this family-friendly classic.
Crafting Fun: Paper Flowers, Papel Picado, and Sugar Skulls
Old Town will offer hands-on crafting workshops to ignite creativity and explore the artistic traditions of Día de Los Muertos:
- Paper Flower Making: Kids can craft their own colorful paper flowers, symbolizing the vibrant marigolds often seen on altars.
- Papel Picado Making: In this traditional Mexican paper art workshop, kids can make intricate papel picado banners, adding color and spirit to the festivities.
- Sugar Skull Making: A classic Día de Los Muertos tradition, this workshop lets kids create and decorate their own sugar skulls. (Please note: a small fee applies.)
Cultural Classes and Interactive Shows
- Calligraphy Lessons: Kids can learn the art of beautiful handwriting, practicing calligraphy to bring home a unique memento.
- Magic Lantern Shows in the Seely Stable: Step back in time with a captivating Magic Lantern Show inside the historic Seely Stable. This interactive storytelling experience will charm children and adults alike with tales from Old Town’s history.
Face Painting and Bilingual Story Time
- Face Painting: Kids can transform into festive characters with vibrant face painting designs to celebrate the holiday. (Please note: a fee applies.)
- Bilingual Story Time Presented by the San Diego Library: Story time, held in both English and Spanish, will feature tales that share the essence of Día de Los Muertos. It’s a great opportunity for young ones to gain a deeper understanding of the holiday’s cultural significance.
Altar Tours, Community Altar, and Live Entertainment
Explore the heart of the holiday with family-friendly tours and community gatherings:
- Altar Tours in the State Park: Take your kids on an enriching tour of the altars set up throughout Old Town’s historic park. Each altar tells a unique story, offering insights into how families honor and remember loved ones.
- Community Altar Contribution: Families are invited to contribute to the community altar, encouraging kids to leave messages or small mementos to participate in this collective remembrance.
- Live Music and Dancing: Throughout the event, enjoy traditional music and dance performances that celebrate life and connect audiences to Mexico’s rich cultural heritage.
Plan Your Visit
With so many delightful and educational activities, Old Town San Diego’s Día de Los Muertos celebration is the perfect way to introduce children to the traditions, stories, and vibrant customs of this holiday. Bring the whole family to experience a day of creativity, cultural appreciation, and community spirit!
Dates & Times
Fri, 11/1, 4pm-7pm
Sat, 11/2, 11am-6pm
Sun, 11/3, 11am-3pm
