SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - While October is commonly associated by many San Diegan with Halloween, just as many associate the month with Dia de Los Muertos.
Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is the annual celebration to honor and remember lost loved ones. Friends and families come together to offer hospitality to the spirits of loved ones during this Mexican tradition.
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It's believed that on Nov. 1, the souls of children return - because they can come back quicker - and adults return on the Nov. 2. During the celebration, the graves of those lost are cleaned and altars are built for loved ones, decorated with photos, food and drinks, stories, and other mementos.
In San Diego, a number of celebrations will be taking place at the end of October and beginning of November to celebrate:
Sherman Heights Dia de Los Muertos
When: Oct. 19 - Nov. 2
Where: Sherman Heights Community Center
Sherman Heights will celebrate Day of the Dead with an official altar blessing, live performances, a candle procession, food, and more. More information.
La Vista Memorial Park and Mortuary Dia de Los Muertos
When: Oct. 21
Where: La Vista Memorial Park and Mortuary
La Vista Memorial Park and Mortuary's celebration will see live music, folk dancing, entertainment, food, handcrafted items and more in one of the South Bay's largest Dia de Los Muertos celebrations. More information.
North Park Day of the Dead Festival 2017
When: Oct. 22
Where: Ray Street
North Park will celebrate Dia de los Muertos with sugar skull decorating, face painting, a community altar, mezcal, a tequila tasting, live music, and more. More information.
Old Town San Diego's Day of the Dead
When: Oct. 28 - Nov. 2
Where: Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Old Town San Diego's traditional Dia de Los Muertos celebration will host a Tour of Altars, a candlelight procession, crafts, skull face painting, live entertainment, and more. More information.
Encinitas Dia de Los Muertos Celebration
When: Oct. 28
Where: Encinitas Community Center
Encinitas' event will feature live performances, art-making workshops, a student art exhibit, artist demos, food trucks, a skull face painting contest, and other family-friendly activities. More information.
Dia de Los Muertos Oceanside
When: Oct. 29
Where: Mission San Luis Rey
Mission San Luis Rey will host an all-day celebration with live entertainment, carnival rides, altar displays and a classic car show showcasing trunk altars. More than 90 vendors will also be on hand with goods and crafts during the event. More information.
Carrera de Los Muertos San Diego
When: Oct. 29
Where: Embarcadero Park South
Carrera de Los Muertos is a unique and festive 5K run along San Diego Bay, featuring an after party with Mariachi music, dancers, and delicious food. More information.
21st Annual Dia de Los Muertos Festival
When: Nov. 1
Where: Escondido California Center for the Arts
Escondido's Day of the Dead event will bring together families for a day of music, arts and crafts, and food. Guests will be able to create altars to remember loved ones and children can take part in face painting, crafts, and more. More information.
Dia de los Muertos Celebration
When: Nov. 2
Where: Balboa Theatre
Grammy-winning Mexican American roots band La Santa Cecilia, Mexrrissey, and Latin Grammy nominees Mariachi Flor de Toloache will perform at San Diego's Balboa Theatre in celebration of Dia de Los Muertos. More information.
Day of the Dead Concert
When: Nov. 5
Where: Copley Symphony Hall
Mexican singing icon Eugenia León and musicians Flavio Meneses Torres and Rosino Serrano García will perform in this Day of the Dead celebration. Families are welcomed to come early for pre-concert activities, including paper flower-making, traditional skull decorating and arts activities. More information.
