Remember, honor and celebrate at this year’s Dia de los Muertos, or “Day of the Dead,” at Old Mission San Luis Rey on Sunday, October 30th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
This 11th annual event honoring the deceased is a family-friendly community event that will transform the “King of the Missions” with lively entertainment including mariachi bands, local ballet folklorico dancing groups, Aztec entertainers, elaborate altars and much more. Admission is free and open to the public. Parking is $5.00.
Dia de los Muertos is a festive occasion celebrating the memory of loved ones and the continuity of life. This traditional Mexican holiday includes gathering at cemeteries for the cleaning and decoration of the grave sites and socializing.
This year Dia de los Muertos at Old the Mission San Luis Rey embraces these traditions. Ofrendas (altars) will line the historic arches of the Mission and are covered in sugar skulls, favorite foods/drinks, marigolds provided by Mellano & Company, pictures of the memorialized and much more. In addition to traditional Ofrendas, the Por Siempre Car Club will commemorate deceased loved ones with altars showcased inside the trunk of classic cars. Families will have the opportunity to celebrate the memory of on their own loved ones as they create mini-memorials within the chalk cemetery.
Guests can enjoy over 75 diverse vendors that will feature an array of amazing food from burritos to Pupusas and from funnel cakes to homemade ice cream. Pan de Muerto, a traditional sugary and sweet bread recipe, will be available for sale as well as placed within altars. After you have satisfied your appetite, peruse the retail vendors to purchase vintage clothing, Day of the Dead artwork, jewelry pieces and much more!
No celebration would be complete without live entertainment and this Dia de los Muertos event is no exception. The Main Stage will be filled with a variety of musical performances such as: Latin-A-Go-Go featuring Salsa and Latin Jazz Beats; the talented flamenco guitarists of Malamana; colorful dresses of the local ballet folklorico dancing groups; songs from Spanish guitarist Mario Oliveras, which feature a mixture of Latin Jazz and touch of Rumba and Flamenco; and much more!
