SeeCalifornia.com

In San Diego’s Old Town an annual tradition, Day of the Dead or Dia de Los Muertos, honoring the memory of dear ones loved and lost, is a happy celebration shared with friends and strangers. Held each year on November 1 & 2, visitors to California’s most popular state park are invited to grab a map and see eight zones containing shops, music, altar displays, food vendors, special lectures and candy skull workshops. The candlelight procession on November 2 invites participants to pick up their candles after 5 p.m. (at Harney Street at San Diego Ave.) and join the 6 p.m. procession from the state park to El Campo Santo cemetery. You’re encouraged to come in Day of Dead costume or sugar skull face paint and add to the celebration at this free event. For those mourning the loss of someone special, the Day of the Dead festival offers comfort and healing through artistic expression seen in altars containing a special bowl, a book or magazine, a necklace or tie and other objects associated with the person remembered. You can celebrate Day of the Dead at festivals throughout California.