Dia de los Muertos at Bazaar del Mundo

Día de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, is a Mexican celebration to remember past family and loved ones. Despite its title, the celebration is a vibrant and colorful tribute to the lives of those who have passed.

Celebrated annually on November 1 and 2, Bazaar del Mundo will continue the tradition of paying homage to the deceased with a three-day event featuring elaborately decorated altars, sugar-skull decorating, face painting and more.

As part of Old Town San Diego’s Annual “Tour of Altars,” produced by the Old Town Chamber of Commerce, Bazaar del Mundo will transform its shops into a walkable trail of altars, complete with traditional sugar skulls, handmade papier-mâché decorations and guest artists selling Day of the Dead-themed jewelry, handbags, accessories, prints and cards to promote the holiday. Exotic sounds will be provided by Latin American folk group Tinku.

Children and families can enjoy a sugar-skull decorating class on Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. and face painting both days. Hot chocolate, mini churros and coloring sheets will be available for the children, while historical handouts will be provided to adults.

Next door, sister restaurant Casa Guadalajara will have a spectacular alter of its own, and offer Day of the Dead food and drink specials to help celebrate the holiday.

The event will take place Saturday, Oct. 31, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Monday, Nov. 2, the Bazaar del Mundo Shops will highlight its alters and offer treats and children’s crafts through closing at 5:30 p.m.

The event is in conjunction with Old Town’s Día de Los Muertos three-day event, from 2 to 9 p.m. Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, which includes “Tour of Altars,” a candlelight procession, face painting and mask decorating throughout Old Town at participating sites.

Parking tips: park for free across the street at Caltrans all day Saturday and Sunday, or take the trolley.