There will be no procession or entertainment for this year’s Dia de los Muertos in Old Town.
With San Diego’s proximity to Mexico, the lively cultural event of Dia de los Muertos always signals the arrival of fall in the city. But unfortunately, this year Old Town will be canceling all activities usually held in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
Dia de los Muertos is a celebration held each year in November to remember and honor those who have departed and for Old Town, it’s also an opportunity to celebrate the city’s rich Mexican culture. Usually held on the first weekend of November, the popular festivities include live music and entertainment, special pop-up shops a popular face-painting area and a traditional candlelit procession which usually starts at the Old Town Entrance on San Diego Ave and Twiggs street and ends at the historic El Campo Santo Cemetery. Along the way you can usually also find traditional altars set up at shops and museums were families leave gifts and prayers for departed loved ones.
Unfortunately, this year’s pandemic has forced Old Town to change the way it celebrates the beautiful event. This year, all activities for Dia De Los Muertos will be canceled, including the procession and the face-painting station according to Sunny Lee, the executive director for the Old Town Chamber of Commerce.
“We are looking forward to next year when we will hopefully be able to hold our event again,” Lee said to NBC San Diego.
Despite all events for Dia de los Muertos being canceled, you’ll still be able to catch Old Town’s beautiful decorations and altars which shops are still planning on installing for the occasion.
See also: 10 Of The Best Mexican Restaurants In San Diego
[Featured image: @visitoldtownsd, Instagram]