If you're looking for some fun ways to celebrate Día de Muertos at home, at work, or with your family today and tomorrow, then we've got just the thing for you below.
It's our favorite time of year, Día de Muertos. And we're going to make the most of the celebrations at home and in San Diego this Nov. 1 and Nov. 2 with these five fun ideas.
1. Build your own ofrenda
An ofrenda, or altar with offerings to your loved ones, is a traditional element of Día de Muertos in Mexico. Building your own ofrenda at home is actually pretty easy.
You don't need all the elements that you'd see in a traditional ofrenda to make it special. All it takes are a mix of some basic elements like cempasuchil (marigolds), velas (candles), calaveras (sugar skulls), and papel picado placed on a small table or shelf in your house or office.
But most importantly, be sure to include photos and special items and/or favorite foods and drinks that remind you of your loved one who you want to celebrate.
Read this guide from Remezcla for basic instructions for building your own ofrenda at home.
2. Celebra el Día de Muertos en Sherman Heights
Enjoy the Sherman Heights Community Center's Día de Muertos procession tomorrow, Nov. 2 starting at 5pm.
Our own Spanish teacher, Daniel Pozos, is one of the folks at the Sherman Heights Community Center who volunteers to make this happen each year.
Read more about the Sherman Heights Community Center procession, including the list of activities and where to meet.
3. Come to Old Town San Diego to celebrate together
Join me at the Old Town San Diego Día de Muertos celebration tomorrow Nov. 2 starting at 6:30pm.
There are over 50 ofrendas to view, along with dancers, food, vendors, and more. Just message me if you'd like to meet me there!
And see this Facebook event for a list of activities at the Old Town San Diego Día de Muertos celebration.
4. Test your knowledge about Día de Muertos
I bet you know a lot about Día de Muertos. To find out just how much you know, take this short quiz about Día de Muertos.
Then you'll learn if you're a true catrina or a struggling-to-keep-aflame vela.
5. Listen to traditional Mexican music for Día de Muertos
If you can't build an ofrenda or eat some delicious Mexican food at your desk, then for sure you'll enjoy listening to some traditional Mexican music.
It will definitely help you get you in the mood for Día de Muertos.
We wish you a meaningful day of honoring and remembering your loved ones who have passed on.
Jackie Donaldson is the founder and director of Amidon Studios Language Studies. She started Amidon Studios in 2017 after managing a language institute in Lima, Peru for six years. As a certified Spanish and English instructor with nearly 20 years of teaching experience, she's taught students from all over the world while living in Peru, Mexico, and the U.S. When she's not working or studying, you'll find her gardening, playing with her cat Frankie, swimming, baking, and exploring the globe.