OCEANSIDE — Mission San Luis Rey, a nonprofit organization and National Historic Landmark will host the region’s largest Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 31, at 4050 Mission Ave.
This is an opportunity for artists, dancers, musicians, festival-goers, students and families alike to come together for a celebration of Latino culture. The 10th annual celebration of this tradition will be a colorful display as it aims to represent a day to honor passed loved ones. Vendors, musical performances, a symbolic procession, beautifully decorated altars, food and more will be a part of the day’s festivities.
The festival will be located on the mission grounds for a second year with support from many of the same partners from prior years. Local growers Mellano & Company will once again participate in the festival by providing the thousands of marigolds used to decorate the altars (ofrendas) for the event. Guests can participate in honoring their own loved ones with a chalk cemetery memorial to be decorated with flowers and candles. Por Siempre Car Club will present a special showcase of classic cars for all to enjoy. This year each car will create a unique ofrenda within the car.
The festival falls on Halloween this year so children are encouraged to dress in their best Day of the Dead costume of skeletons and spirits, and retrieve treats from participating vendors. Winners for the day’s best mini-ofrenda (altar) submission will be announced at 2 p.m. on stage. All submissions must be no larger than 12 square inches. Submissions must be dropped off and logged in by noon on the day of the event.
There will be on-site parking with a fee of $5 per car. Off-site parking is available in the area but attendees are encouraged to carpool or take alternate transportation if it is an option. A map of the area and entrance points is available on the web site.
For vendor and sponsorship information, contact Marie Tahan Daniels of Caelum Marketing at [email protected].
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